My Terminator 4: Rise of the Resistance

Here it is again, in all it's glory: My Definitive Version of where the story should go from here, presented in script form, so Mostow can easily steal it and call it his own, without the tedious task of rewriting it for the screen..

(if this is better off posted in General Fiction or some place else, move it there... I didn't see it posted here any more or moved anywhere else, so...)

Terminator 4: Rise of the Resistance

INTRO:

FADE FROM BLACK The UNIVERSAL LOGO, PLANET EARTH spinning in space

The 'UNIVERSAL' tag fades, while the PLANET EARTH continues to spin (like the opening of WATERWORLD)

JOHN CONNOR:
(voice over)
The future is not set...
We have no fate but what
we make for ourselves...

It was all a lie! A lie I told myself!
From the future, to prevent Judgment Day,
to prevent the extinction of Mankind...

I failed...

UNIVERSAL PLANET EARTH LOGO suddenly alight with hundreds of NUCLEAR MISSILE launches, vapor trails and explosions dotting the surface

VARIOUS SCENES from the END OF T3:RISE OF THE MACHINES

the launch of multiple nukes, destruction around the world

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK HARDENED FACILITY, BUNKER COMPOUND
JOHN and KATE trapped at CRYSTAL PEAK

T-850 terminates T-X using fusion power cell as bomb

T-850, T-X ENDOSKELTONS remain in tact, pinned under blast doors

Power cell explosion causes catastrophic cave-in, sealing entrance to CRYSTAL PEAK as bombs fall around the world...

JOHN CONNOR
(voice-over)
3 billion lives lost...
Entire cities vaporized...
The planet decimated by nuclear war...

War started by machines…
Machines built by man to help us live, had turned against us...

They decided our fate in a microsecond...
Mankind had taken its toll on the world;
We were obsolete...

MORE SCENES of wasteland and nuclear winter enveloping the world
(like the nuclear winter playground scene in T1 and T2)

SCENE finally focus on CRYSTAL PEAK, the entrance cave collapsed, sealing the bunker from the outside world

JOHN CONNOR
(voice-over)
I failed in my mission to prevent this Hell.

Still, I had survived.
Guided by a machine.. protected, defended, ultimately saved by that machine..
A Terminator, sent from the very future from which I was running, had given me another chance...

A chance to set things right, to truly test Fate, a chance to live again.
I had survived, to prove that
Mankind could... would survive!'

FINAL SCENE FROM T3

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK BUNKER FACILITY, COMMAND AND CONTROL ROOM
The ‘main room’ COMMAND & CONTROL CENTER, the heart of the facility, where the computer banks, databases, communications systems are set

The COMM-SYSTEM speaker chatters with anxious, frightened calls from all around the region

SAC-COM COLORADO
Is anybody reading me?
Can anyone hear me?

MONTANA CIVIL DEFENSE
We have lost all command and control.
What's going on out there?
Is anyone receiving?'

JOHN CONNOR
This is John Connor, at Crystal Peak...

SAC-COM COLORADO
Connor?
What the Hell is happening?
Who's in charge there?'

JOHN
I am...

FADE TO BLACK

MUSIC: ORIGINAL TERMINATOR THEME (probably with a new BEAT added)

FADE IN TITLE: TERMINATOR 4

NUCLEAR EXPLOSION, MUSHROOM CLOUD envelops TITLE GRAPHIC, written as always in TERMINATOR FONT

FLAMES consume the TITLE graphic

FLAMES fade, TERMINATOR logo is charred from silver to brown, as...

FADE IN TITLE: RISE OF THE RESISTANCE

FADE FROM BLACK

MONTAGE of SHOTS and SCENES as CREDITS fade in and out

MONTAGE:

-JOHN (Nick Stahl) and KATHERINE (Claire Daines) perform various functions to 'power-up' their new home CRYSTAL PEAK
activate computers,
database modules,
and other equipment seen in the huge room

-Using 'the red folder' GENERAL BREWSTER'S file, 'CRYSTAL PEAK COMMAND & CONTROL FUNCTIONS' to unlock 'The Vault'
reveal food, water, clothing and supplies
enough to support 100 people for 10 years

-Unlocking secondary vault,
contents: RADIATION/CONTAMINATION equipment,
RAD-SUITS, REBREATHER MASKS,
HOODS, GLOVES, BOOTS
as well as a complete
DECONTAMINATION CHAMBER

-PAN and SCAN thru various areas of the bunker

BUNKS/BILLET AREA,
enough for 100 people to live comfortably, beds, wall
lockers, foot lockers, small tables, sparse furnishings

LAB/RESEARCH FACILITY,

WEAPONS VAULT,
containing PROTOTYPE PULSE RIFLES, PISTOLS along with various other modern-day military-issue weapons, M-16s, shotguns, 9-mm pistols...

AIR-RECLAMATION/VENTILATION SYSTEM CORE,
massive fans, filters and various other machines to
test, filter and circulate fresh and recycled air
throughout the compound, while venting deadly toxins
and radiation back out to be dispersed in the atmosphere

END CREDITS MONTAGE

INT CRYSTAL PEAK BUNKER, NEAR ENTRANCE
JOHN CONNOR prepares PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES CHARGES at the cave-in

JOHN wears a complete RADIATION SUIT while he works so close to the contaminated surface of the planet, and we hear the sound of crackling voice-communication as he works

JOHN
How we lookin' Kate?

KATE
(voice over, over John's Comm-Unit)
Rads are looking nominal this morning,
no heat signatures or movement of any kind detected on the surface…
Looks clear...
Over...

JOHN
That’s consistent with the reports from
SAC-COM and NORAD bunkers throughout the
South-West region.. seems like Judgment Day
wasn’t the ‘global threat’ we were expecting
after all.

KATE
(voice-over)
Roger that.
It doesn’t make much sense though, does it?
What purpose is served keeping humans alive?
What could this mean? Why do the machines need
any of us any more?
Over..

JOHN
I dunno, Kate. I dunno.

(laughing)
And, I’ve told you a million times, they always only ever say 'OVER' when they are talking in a group, to let the rest of the group know it's clear to respond!

It's only ME out here, hun...
I ALWAYS know it's clear to respond! Ha!

CUT TO
INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
KATHERINE BREWSTER sits at the COMM STATION, monitoring surface
sensors, screens and read-outs, while wearing a COMM-UNIT HEADSET to communicate with JOHN on the surface

KATE
(laughing)
Hey! Who's the military brat here, and who's the scab off the streets, bub? OVER!

CUT TO
INT CRYSTAL PEAK BUNKER, NEAR ENTRANCE
JOHN steps back, away from the rubble and rock blocking passage to the outside world from the confines of the hardened facility

JOHN
Fire in the hole, beautiful...
Fire in the hole!

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK BUNKER- MOMENTS LATER
The large mound of gravel, rock and rubble suddenly and violently explodes outward, a thunderous noise erupting from within as the EXPLOSIVE CHARGES detonate.

The chasm is partially cleared, allowing air and light to stream in from the outside world.

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK BUNKER
JOHN crawls from the gap in the rubble, carefully, cautiously, almost daintily, to avoid tearing the RAD-SUIT on any sharp edges of debris.

JOHN surveys the surroundings casually, awed by the sight, a Geiger counter clicking and humming steadily in his hand all the while, his breathing somewhat erratic from stress and anxiety of being outside the confines of the bunker.

All is clear...

JOHN
All clear...
Kate, you should see this!
It's incredible!

KATE
(voice-over, distracted)
Did you just call me beautiful, Connor?

JOHN
Well, you are destined to be my wife...
And you ARE the most beautiful woman
I have seen this whole last year or so...

CUT TO
INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
KATE is beaming, glowing, flushed with embarrassed excitement,
flustered, but quickly composes herself and responds

KATE
I'm the ONLY woman you've seen!
But the future is not set, remember, buddy?!
Don't get your hopes up!

(sighs)

And, thank you...
It has been awhile, hasn't it?

CUT TO
EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, NEAR SURFACE
JOHN completes his surface inspection and examination, and makes his way back toward the partially excavated gap leading back into the mountain, still noting readings from his Geiger-counter and equipment

JOHN
(no longer distracted)
OK OK... I'm coming back down.
I think I can work it so we can close the blast doors again, once I clear away enough of the rocks...

Then we can contact Colorado, Nevada, and
Arizona, and rally the troops...

KATE
(voice-over)
...always the romantic, Connor...
See you after decon...

(a beat)

OVER!

(giggles)

JOHN disappears back into the gap in the rock, descending into the BUNKER once more.

All is silent on the surface, until...

JOHN
Kate! Kate!
I found something!
It's Him! It's Them!
The Terminators!
Well, what's left of them any way...
They're still here!

Maybe we---

KATE
(interrupting)
John! I got something on the radio!
It's Civil Defense in Nevada! They have begun to mobilize! Come quick!
Get through decontamination, and get up here! John?!

JOHN crawls back under the blast door, past the charred and forms of the T-850 and T-X endoskeletal remains, their optical sensor ports dull and dead utterly devoid of any signs of life. Terminators, terminated.

FADE to BLACK, as JOHN chats with KATE

JOHN
(voice over)
Just like that, it was begun. The human resistance movement started small, very small. But, rapidly, we grew in strength and number. From bunkers and shelters scattered throughout the mountains, they came...

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND- ETERNAL NIGHT OF NUCLEAR WINTER

VARIOUS SCENES of RESISTANCE FORCES making way through mountain passes to CRYSTAL PEAK, avoiding various MACHINE SENTRIES, FLYING H/Ks, T-1s, T-20s...

JOHN
(voice over)
Crystal Peak became a central stronghold, Kate and I its official 'Leaders'.
We cared for, trained and taught those who came to Crystal Peak; cared for their safety and security, trained them in the art of combat and survival, and taught them how to live with—and without—machines.

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND- ETERNAL NIGHT

VARIOUS SCENES of KATE watching over CHILDREN with VARIOUS
REFUGEE MOTHERS, of COMBAT TRAINING with JOHN and the MEN, and..

KEY SCENE: JOHN CONNOR and VARIOUS MEN, in RAD-SUITS, digging and
cleaning a VENT, carved from the surface, into the
depths of the MOUNTAIN COMPLEX, connected to the AIR
RECLAMATION and FILTRATION SYSTEM, then disguising
the VENT with boulders and brush on the SURFACE of
the MOUNTAINSIDE

JOHN
(voice over)
Fate guided me, guided us, along a dangerous path into conflict and confrontation with our destinies, and into war against the machines.

It wouldn't be long before the machines would bring the fight to us, I knew.
And, in knowing that, I decided it might instead be best to take the fight to them!

EXT WASTLEANDS- NIGHT
BASE CAMP for the 132nd TACTICAL COMMAND RESISTANCE FORCE

PAN AND FLOAT around EXT and INT SHOTS around BASE CAMP AREA

NOTE: Not readily obvious that this is base camp, but
a few key SOLDIERS in the mix throughout the shot

NOTE: ‘132nd’ UNIT INSIGNIA on SOLDIERS, FLAGS, BANNERS
presence of CAPTAIN PERRY among his troops

CUT TO:

VARIOUS SCENES involving the 132nd TAC-COM RESISTANCE FORCES fighting to secure their base-camp and the surrounding area

JOHN
(voice over)
To use any advantage from knowing the history of things to come and the technological advances the machines would soon be capable of...

OTHER VARIOUS BATTLE SCENES like previous Future War scenes, only now YOUNGER JOHN and other RESISTANCE FIGHTERS wage the battles, find and exploit weakness in the machines, salvaging weapons and technology from the wreckage

JOHN
(voice over)
Using everything I knew of what was ahead, passing the knowledge to others, while holing up at Crystal Peak...'

Letting the world know who we were,
that we had survived, that they were not alone..

SCENES of KATE, JOHN and other COMM TECHS, seated in COMM-CENTER taking turns making RADIO CONTACT and communication with the outside world, plotting with other bunkers and shelters in the area

JOHN
(voice over)
And waiting... long periods of waiting...
Five years of waiting, and hoping.
Only venturing out, bringing the fight to the machines closer to their turf, keeping ourselves safely tucked away, off the grid...

Five years we struggled, five years of eternal night, until the skies began to clear some, and dim slivers of sunlight would filter through for a few hours each day... Five years, Crystal Peak resistance forces gathered and survived, regrouped and rebuilt a society...

While we waited, we made some 'advances' of our own... Some came quicker, and more unexpectedly, than others...'

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK RESEARCH LAB
VARIOUS TECHS work with feverish determination on a 'PROJECT' which remains shrouded beneath a large sheet or tarp

Lots of ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT and COMPONENTS scattered throughout the LAB, but nothing of what is hidden under the tarp is revealed...
until...

MARKER: DECEMBER 20, 2015

INT CRYSTAL PEAK RESEARCH LAB
KATE and VARIOUS TECHS perform various tests and tasks in, on and around SHROUDED PROJECT AREA, all nodding and chatting excitedly about the project

After a few moments, JOHN CONNOR enters, trailed by a few LIEUTENANTS. As KATE turns from the PROJECT SHROUD, we see that she is VERY PREGNANT! Kate goes to John and they embrace and kiss, then both turn their attention to the TECHS, while the LIEUTENANTS also look on

JOHN
Well, this surprise is obviously not what
I was 'expecting' pardon the pun...

JOHN looks to KATE, patting her stomach gently and smiling

JOHN
What's going on, Kate?
What's all the excitement?

KATE steps to the SHROUD, beaming brightly

KATE
This is what's going on, Connor!

KATE pulls away the shroud, revealing TWIN TX-850 CYBORG UNITS, composed of various mixed-and-matched components from both CYBORG ENDOSKELETONS recovered from the entrance.

One of the CYBORGS, marked with a stenciled 'B' is incomplete, missing it's left arm and right leg, as well as some few metallic plate structures and armor in key places on its chassis, chest, back and skull, compared to the 'A' model which appears fully-reconstructed and almost 'alive'

KATE
They are not quite as you remember them, and they're not perfect...

They have no reserve fuel cells, so when they die, they die. But, the ‘good news’ is
we constructed miniature plutonium-power cells using blue-prints for the nuclear cell for this whole complex. The power cells for
both units were remarkably adaptable and accepted the plutonium downgrade with very little resistance or need for modification.
So, they could theoretically last hundreds of years on the plutonium cell we’ve installed,
barring meltdown or anything of that nature.

JOHN nods

JOHN
OK, so no reserve cells, no more plasma-
fusion reactor, but now you’re saying these
things are nuclear-powered?

KATE
Shielded in lead casing, John.
Perfectly safe, just like they were before...

JOHN
These things tried to kill me,
tried to kill us both, before!

What about that meltdown?
What would it take to cause something like that to occur?

KATE shrugs, but explains

KATE
I imagine some sort of power-surge or
catastrophic failure like...
well, like nothing I CAN imagine, John!

Think Chernobyl, or Three-Mile Island.
Whatever massive failure caused those would
be similar to what it would take to cause
them in these 2 Terminators, OK?

JOHN hardly seems convinced, but KATE continues

KATE
We adapted the poly-mnemonic 'skin' shell casing for both units, so... watch...

KATE activates some things on the TX-850A chest and the liquid metal begins to flow, encasing the endoskeleton completely

KATE
They will both be able to take the form of anything they sample by physical contact... for example...

KATE presses a few buttons on her mobile keypad...

The TX-850A morphs and changes its appearance from liquid silver to HUMAN

(this is where Duane 'The Rock' Johnson, or Arnold, or whoever first appears... this is how the 'new' Terminator is born!)

JOHN
(gaping, in awe)
My God, Kate! You...
You really did it?!
They work! The Terminators live again!

KATE
(nodding, beaming)
That's right!
The first, fully-functional,
'human-made' cybernetic organisms!

We call them TX-850A and B, since we essentially had to break them all down and rebuild from scratch using the leftovers from the original 850 and T-X models, as well as all the bits and pieces you guys bring back from the field...

The CPUs were still very much in tact, and quite easy to reprogram with whatever parameters we choose.

We should have all the necessary components to comple---

JOHN
(angry)
Forget what you call them, Kate!
I can't believe you got them back together, let alone programmed and powered them up!

KATE
What's wrong, John?
I thought you want to WIN this war?
I thought 'any advantage we can get, any way to manipulate the history of things to come...'

That's what you always said!

JOHN
I... I know!
Maybe... I was wrong!

KATE
(adamant)
NO! JOHN! You were not wrong!
None of what we have done here these
last 5 years has been wrong! We are
alive, we are surviving, we are
thriving! None of that is wrong!

KATE holds JOHN’S hand, placing it on her smooth round stomach once again

KATE
(softly, warmly)
None of it... OK?

JOHN
(nodding)
OK... So, what can they do?

VARIOUS SCENES: THE TX-850 MONTAGE
Kate and technicians demonstrate the TX-850A new and improved skills, strengths etc.

One notable difference in the TX-850A compared to the usual
T-800 series model we are used to: TX-850A's OPTICAL SENSORS glow BLUE, rather than the RED of the original version...

KATE
(voice over)
Visual acuity is 225% that of normal human range and quality... infrared and ultraviolet spectral analysis in wide range, ultra-high magnification and scanning, targeting still in tact. It's really amazing!

Weapons accuracy is 99.7---

CUT FROM MONTAGE TO

JOHN grabs KATE, spinning her to him, away from the TERMINATOR

JOHN
(interrupting)
You let this thing have access
to our weapons?

KATE nods, then cringes and wrinkles her nose (in that cute way that only Claire Daines can) immediately regretful of her response as she notes the expression on John's face

JOHN
DON'T! Just don't!

TX-850A, KATE and TECHS look on as JOHN releases KATE and storms from the RESEARCH LAB, his LIEUTENANTS following on his heels.

KATE appears stunned and bewildered but a moment later composes herself and seems thoughtful, reflective, and nods to herself

EXT. WASTELANDS
THE FUTURE WAR, TRACKED HUNTER-KILLERS and TRANSPORT VEHICLES roll across the ashen plains, plains littered with thousands of human skulls and skeletal remains.

The BATTLE TANKS fire volleys of PLASMA PULSE CANNON FIRE at the few RESISTANCE FIGHTERS who move between covered and concealed positions scattered across the field of death.

[EXTENDED SCENE, 4 to 8 minutes long, demonstrating wider scope of history of things to come, how much JOHN thinks and knows about the Future War, strategy and tactics, without having experienced so much of the war in any large degree. He knows what's coming, and it scares him]

JOHN leads a SQUAD against the on-coming BATTLE TANKS, firing ineffective shots against the impenetrable hull of the vehicle, charging from one concealed position to another, moving ever closer to the LEAD BATTLE TANK.
Finally within range, John shoulders a ROCKET LAUNCHER and takes careful aim

The rest of his SQUAD draw enemy fire by continuing to engage the TANK with their smaller, ineffective PULSE RIFLES and PISTOLS. JOHN FIRES the ROCKET

The ROCKET strikes the BATTLE TANK TRACK, perfect aim!

The BATTLE TANK grinds to an uneasy stop, dead on the battle field.

JOHN rallies the SQUAD to the disabled vehicle.

At the rear of the BATTLE TANK, a LARGE PANEL pivots down and open; a DOOR to the INTERIOR, the belly of the beast
A LARGE FIGURE marches from within the compartment

JOHN and the SQUAD stop and stare as the T-850 stalks from the tank, facing off against the humans stoically.

CYBORG T-850
John Connor...

JOHN inexplicably steps forward from the small group of men and women under his charge, squaring off against his Friend/his Enemy, the TERMINATOR.

T-850
You are terminated.

The T-850 decides John's fate in a microsecond, and a microsecond later, John is caught by the neck in the grip of the T-850, and lifted from the ground.
In a moment, all life is crushed out of John Connor before he can even react or fight back...
As the darkness of death overtakes him, Katherine screams from somewhere in the black... "JOHN!"

KATE
Wake up, sweetheart... John?

JOHN wakes with a start, gasping for air, shivering with anxiety and fear

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK LIVING QUARTERS, JOHN & KATE'S SECTION
KATE is sitting at JOHN’S bedside, and she jumps when he wakes so suddenly. JOHN frowns and shakes his head vigorously, trying desperately to forget the telling images. KATE knows without knowing, and she caresses JOHN tenderly.

KATE
The dream again?

JOHN
(heaving a heavy breath)
It's coming... I feel it!

KATE
We will be ready, John.
We're growing stronger every day!
And now, with the TX-8---

JOHN pushes away from her embrace, staring into her eyes hard and deep

JOHN
Do you really think we can change anything, Kate? Change the future? Change Fate?
Change our... my... destiny?
Look outside, Kate!
It's all come true!!

KATE
It all happened, Yes, I know!
But most of everything was put into motion before you were even born, before you grew and learned that we COULD change things!
This shit should have happened years ago, John! Who knows what Hell we would be into by now if not for everything you did back then to change it!

JOHN cannot help but nod, still watching KATE intently, reading her every move and expression, drawing strength and confidence in himself, from her words and poise

KATE
We will change Fate! We have to!
I don't want to lose you, Connor!

KATE takes JOHN’S trembling hand, placing it on her smooth round stomach

KATE
You are too important to me, to us...
to us all!
I love you John, I always have...

JOHN smiles and cries at KATE’S strength and determination and love for him, how very much she reminds him of his lost mother, and he embraces his lovely wife whole-heartedly again

JOHN
You know I just might be crazy, right?

KATE
This whole nightmare is nuts, John!
But, no matter what has happened, or what is still to come, I Love You! Who would have guessed I would be saying that after all these years, after the way you left me in Mike Cripkey's basement?!

JOHN
That was 20 years ago, Kate!
I was a different person back then!

JOHN recovers from his fears, rising from the bed, sweeping KATE up and into his arms before getting back to business

JOHN
So, what's the word from Colorado?

KATE
At last report, Captain Perry and the
One-Thirty-Second were being mobilized and prepped to move. They should be here in a week.. 10 days tops, if things go well...

JOHN
Good! Then we can get to work taking back California!

KATE suddenly goes pale a bit herself, gaping at JOHN in
stunned silence

JOHN recognizes this silence, leans in and kisses KATE’S
pursed lips

JOHN
‘No fate but what we make for ourselves...'
Remember? It's been long enough, we are getting stronger every day. It's time to start making some changes!

KATE finds her voice again, barely

KATE
OK... I guess I'll stay here and make sure
the TX-850s are---

JOHN
I want to take him with me, Kate.

Again, eerie stunned silence follows from KATE

JOHN
If anything's going to happen,
it's going to happen, right?
I got close to the Terminator once,
and it changed everything!
If I want to change Fate again, I have to keep that big hunk of steel close to me,
at least to prevent him stabbing me in the back!

KATE hardly seems convinced, not as easily swayed by his logic as he was by hers

JOHN
Don't worry, Kate...
You helped rebuild these things.
Nothing that comes from you could ever hurt me, right?

KATE finally cracks a slight smile, nodding, nuzzling JOHN

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK RESEARCH LAB-- LATER
KATE and TECHS perform final checks on TX-850A, while JOHN stands by

KATE activates the poly-mnmetic alloy inducer, the TX-850A begins to take shape

KATE flips some switches, types some keyboard commands, and presses some buttons

the BLUE OPTICAL SENSORS flash to life, just as the human face is formed over them; the TX-850A is operational!

TX-850A POV: SEPIA-TINTED optical scan reads:
ONLINE, POWERING UP... ACTIVE... INTERNAL DIAGNOSTICS... OPTIMAL... SCANNING...

TX-850A scans surroundings, gathering info on JOHN, KATE, TECHS, and control room

KATE punches a few more keys and the TX-850A steps free from the CONTROL PLATFORM, fully-aware and free

TX-850A approaches JOHN, JOHN stands firm

TX-850A
John Connor...

JOHN has a momentary flash of his nightmare, as TX-850A extends its arm and hand toward him...

TX-850 flashes 'Thumbs Up' then renders a sharp, robotic salute

JOHN looks to KATE and KATE simply shrugs

KATE
It was either that or have him dance a jig...

JOHN
Let's take this outside...

MONTAGE: JOHN and TX-850A 'bonding'/training/learning...

CUT TO

ELSEWHERE IN THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS
The 132 TAC-COM Resistance Unit, led by CAPTAIN PERRY, guides a rag-tag, tattered convoy of REFUGEES from their over-run bunkers spread across the WASTELANDS of the South-West United States.

CAPT. PERRY is a rugged, battle-worn and weary warrior, far many more years etched on his face since Judgment Day that would be evident by his birth record, if those records even still existed. SQUAD consists of 24 MEN, barely distinguishable amongst the disheveled masses of REFUGEES whom they are defending. The only things that set the RESISTANCE FIGHTERS apart from the REFUGEES are some few scraps of make-shift body armor and an ARM PATCH with the 132nd TAC-COM UNIT INSIGNIA.

50-75 REFUGEES in the convoy, moving in small groups, flanked by 3 or 4 SOLDIERS. It is remarkably quiet in the eerie dark blue of near-night, with only the trudging of footsteps heard over the whisper of wind down the canyon pass.

6 GROUP LEADERS, responsible for 10-12 REFUGEES, 4-5 TROOPERS:

ANDREWS- 20ish, still very green, obviously not a hardcore
soldier, probably a weekend warrior reservist or guardsman before Judgment Day
NO RANK

KENT- Hard-core Marine-type, buzz-cut, no-neck, muscular,
tatooed. Weapons and tactics expert
RANK: SERGEANT

DAVISON- Bookish nerd, possible ROTC candidate before
Judgment Day. Technical whiz-kid, carries radio, night-vision goggles, and technical manuals and crap overflowing his rucksack
RANK: CORPORAL

BJERKEN- Looks like ‘the other brother’ who was supposed to
be a girl, who really tries to be butch and bad-ass, even though he’s 5’5" 120 pounds, late 20s. He must be lucky to be alive, the wimp, but he doesn’t let his shortcomings slow him down. Determined, deceptive inner-strength
RANK: SERGEANT

SOLOMON- Another Marine, but with a soft side and a
weakness: an obsession with comic books, including ARCHIE and war comics, especially CAPTAIN SLAUGHTER Thinks of military life like ‘ripped from the headlines’ of comics, rather than the other way around. KENT’S pal, but takes crap from the hard-core grunt
RANK: SERGEANT

ZWICK- The Female, though she is built bigger than a few
of the men, acts like Mother to the troops,
defending the weaklings in the squad
RANK: SERGEANT

[Another EXTENDED SCENE, introducing the 132nd RESISTANCE SQUAD, demonstrating each GROUP LEADER'S personality quirks and strengths, allowing viewers to become familiar with the TROOPS]

Suddenly, the silence is lifted, the whistling of the wind becomes an obvious, audible SHRIEK of MECHANICAL ENERGY

BJERKEN
(checking scanner equipment)
Shriekers, incoming!
Just over the ridge and closing fast!

PERRY
(scanning the canyon walls ahead)
Mini-Hunters! Damn!

(a beat as PERRY notes something up ahead)

PERRY
To the caves!
Everyone, move!!

The RESISTANCE TROOPS do their best to usher the REFUGEES quickly and quietly along the rocky canyon floor, toward the CAVES

CAPT PERRY shakes his head and summons 3 TROOPS from the squad, with grunts and hand gestures, positioning his marksmen as the SHRIEK grows ever louder, closer...

A few moments pass as REFUGEES and SOLDIERS begin filing hastily into the dark 'security' offered by the few small opening in the rock face, as...

A GROUP OF 4 FLYING MINI-HUNTER DRONES swoop over the lip of the CANYON, and coast downward, toward the convoy

PHASE CANNONS blast away from the fronts of the lead DRONES, scorching REFUGEES and SOLDIERS alike with their powerful bursts

PERRY
Wait for it...

ONE MARKSMAN TROOPER is too anxious though, and fires a quick volley from his covered and concealed position.

The smaller, hand-held PULSE-PISTOL BURST is almost entirely absorbed by the DRONE ARMOR PLATE, causing the DRONE to teeter slightly from the shock, before turning and firing upon the TROOPER'S position.

The TROOPER is blasted an instant later, and what remains of his body splatters over the area in a grotesque manner.

Only then do the REMAINING 3 MARKSMEN and CAPT. PERRY coordinate fire at the attacking DRONE

3 PULSE PISTOL and PERRY'S PULSE RIFLE blasts hit the DRONE squarely, and the unit explodes in a brilliant flare of BLUE ENERGY and RED FLAME

The remaining DRONES split up, 2 continue following the dense area of THERMAL ENERGY left as the CONVOY of REFUGEES and SOLDIERS enter the CAVES

The FINAL DRONE arcs high up and over the lip of the canyon once more, disappearing from the line of sight of the MARKSMEN below

PERRY
Get to the caves!
Move! MOVE!

PULSE CANNON BURSTS followed by explosions and multiple screams greet the MARKSMEN squad as they near the mouth of the CAVE

PERRY lingers near the rear, eyeing the sky for the ROGUE H/K DRONE. Once all the REFUGEES and TROOPS are 'safe' within the CAVES, PERRY shrugs and enters the LARGE CAVE himself

INT. LARGE CAVERN WITHIN THE CANYON WALL
3 SOLDIERS lay, dead, just within the entrance of the LARGE CAVE, their bodies still smoldering from PULSE CANNON ENERGY BLASTS.

A second DRONE CHASSIS also sparks and burns, crashed and destroyed, while FRIGHTENED REFUGEES cower against the far wall of the chasm.

From another PASSAGEWAY off the LARGE CAVERN, more REFUGEES flood, screaming in terror and pain. PERRY kneels and scans the passage as the REFUGEES pass, and he is greeted by the familiar SHRIEK on fast approach. Multiple PULSE-PISTOL BURSTS light up the area behind the THIRD DRONE, a few finding their mark, enough to send the DRONE skittering into the CAVE WALL, crashing and exploding.

ONE FEMALE REFUGEE screams and sobs, crying out in fear

FEMALE REFUGEE
Kyle? Where's Kyle?!
Where is the boy? KYLE!

PERRY scans the PASSAGE as 4 of his TROOPERS stalk from the dark

ZWICK crosses the CAVERN to cover the only other PASSAGE

SOLOMON steps in, bringing up the rear, quickly taking a knee against the near PASSAGE ENTRANCE, scouting down that passage, maintaining a secure perimeter

PERRY moves to the FRANTIC REFUGEE, who is being threatened by a TROOPER

ANDREWS
BE QUIET, Lady!!

PERRY
(sternly, but compassionately)
ANDREWS! Stand down!
Don't worry ma'am...
we'll find your son.

WOMAN
No, not my son...
I promised to look after him if...
his parents... they didn't make it out...

PERRY
Understood. Andrews, Kent, Davison with me! The rest of you, Rally Point is HERE!
Form a perimeter and keep the refugees safe! There's at least 1 more of these things out there, and who knows how many refugees scattered in these caves, so stay alert!

Across the cavern, KENT grumbles

PERRY
What's the problem, rough-neck?

SGT KENT steps forward a few paces, whispering gruffly

KENT
You're sticking us with the rooks, Cap!
The kids! Me and Solly could mop up the last of the shriekers and rally the refugees back here in 2 shakes!

I aint about to get wasted babysittin' a coupla weak-kneed momma's boys...
c'mon, Cap!
Cut me some slack!

PERRY considers KENT'S concerns for a few beats

PERRY
You're right, Sgt. Kent...
Sgt. Bjerken, front and center!
YOU take Andrews, Davison and a squad and clear these caves!

Recover whatever refugees you find stragglin' and rally them back here ASAP!

BJERKEN nods and quickly summons ANDREWS, DAVISON and 4 TROOPERS

PERRY steps up squarely into KENT'S face, steely-eyed and scowling

PERRY
You're on my shit-list, Kent!
Med detail for you!
I want every cut, scrape, bruise and hangnail on the refugees documented and doctored. Every sniffle stifled, every cough contained!

And, if I hear even a whimper from any one of them or yourself, I swear by Christ I'll bust your ass right here in front of the whole lot of 'em... and not even Momma Zwick will hold your hand thru that!

Long moments of silence as KENT cowers and everyone else in the CAVE freezes and pretends not to be listening...

CAPT PERRY, having restored discipline and control amongst the SQUAD, carries on in fine military manner

PERRY
Zwick, Solomon, maintain the perimeter!
And, Corporal Solomon, keep the comics stowed while you're on watch, or your ass will be joining Sergeant Kent on scab detail!

Move it out, people!
Everyone else, stand ready to defend...

The REMAINING TROOPS all go out about either assisting KENT administering first aid to the REFUGEES, or assisting ZWICK and SOLOMON with perimeter defense, cleaning, reloading weapons, or other manner of preparations to hold position in the cave

Just outside PERRY'S line of sight, CORPORAL SOLOMON squats in a slight alcove in the rock. Out of sight, out of mind, SOLOMON rustles thru his rucksack, collecting a few tattered COMIC BOOKS. With a hearty smile, SOLOMON hunches down in the alcove and begins scanning the colorful pages

PAN UP FROM SOLOMON'S POSITION: NOTE slight sprinkle of dust and debris from overhead...

CUT TO CRAMPED PASSAGE IN MOUNTAIN CAVE- AWHILE LATER
BJERKEN, ANDREWS, DAVISON and 4 TROOPERS spread out and stalk along the dark and dreary pass, checking the branches and off-shoots and alcoves for any signs of REFUGEES or MINI-FLYER activity.

The group comes to a convergence, where multiple passages come together and cross. BJERKEN raises a closed fist, signaling HALT! and the group scatters to the walls of the passage

BJERKEN looks around the small cavern nervously, uncertain how to proceed where so many options are available. He checks his squad, then steps to DAVISON near the corner of the passage entrance to the cavern.

BJERKEN
What'd'ya see Davison?
Anything?

DAVISON flips down the NIGHT-VISION viewer attachment on his skull-cap and scans; far-left, left center, center, right-center...

DAVISON
(gasping)
Ohhh shiii----

DAVISON'S POV thru NIGHT-VISION headgear:
A smallish heat signature registers, racing toward the group from a passage up ahead!

Before he can react further by raising his PULSE RIFLE, DAVISON is met by the ATTACKER head on, and both topple to the rocky cavern floor

The noise of the collision raises alarm with the others in the group and BJERKEN cracks a blue-light glo-stick, illuminating the area

Everyone else quickly draws a bead on the ATTACKER and DAVISON as they scuffle

DAVISON struggles for awhile under the weight and assault of the attacker, shrieking like a little girl the whole while, until finally he is able to shove his foe away.

Once free from the entanglement, DAVISON and everyone immediately notices that the assailant is a LITTLE BOY!

ANDREWS
Kyle? Kyle Reese?

The boy seems to respond to the name looking apprehensively at the group of troops

ANDREWS
Yeah, sure it's you!
You remember me, donchya, little dude?
We played that game on Sergeant Solomon the other day, fresh outta base-camp..
stole his favorite comics and hid out all afternoon, while he busted his ass looking all over! Busted Kent's ass too later, thinkin' he done it... -heh!-

DAVISON, a few TROOPERS chuckle some at ANDREWS recollection, obviously recalling the events of that day as well, recognizing the child, KYLE REESE

KYLE
(confused, afraid)
Where? Where are they?
The shriekers?

ANDREWS steps up, helping DAVISON to his feet, while the others lower their weapons and let their guard down

ANDREWS
Forget about the--

KYLE
(alarmed)
SHRIEKERS!

Before anyone can react, ANDREWS' chest explodes violently outward, and the tunnel is lit up by a thunderous blast of PLASMA-ENERGY from behind the TROOPERS!!

ANDREWS collapses with a whimper, his PLASMA RIFLE falling at KYLE'S feet.

The boy duck and crouches low to the ground, while the others turn to take aim at the SHRIEKING DRONE on approach

PULSE-WEAPON ENERGY BOLTS light up the passage

The FLYING MINI-H/K evades the first volley, firing repeated bursts of its own back on the TROOPS in the confined space.

2 of the 4 TROOPERS are caught in one of the blasts, scorched and fried, killing them instantly.

BJERKEN, DAVISON and the remaining TROOPERS continue firing upon the DRONE.

The DRONE suffers minor damage and streaks past the group, skittering down the left-center tunnel. 2 TROOPERS rush after the DRONE, into the intersection

KYLE sits up as the TROOPERS pass, clutching ANDREWS' PULSE RIFLE, trying desperately to lift it

KYLE
Oh, no...

KYLE glances anxiously at BJERKEN as the TROOPERS approach the left-center passage

BJERKEN notes KYLE'S panic, realizes something too late

BJERKEN
WAIT! Fall back!
Guys, stop!

Too late! the TROOPERS glance back in recognition of their leader's commands

A moment later a rapid-fire blast of PLASMA ENERGY envelopes them both, consuming their bodies, virtually vaporizing the TROOPERS where they stand, and the DRONE streaks from the RIGHT-CENTER tunnel!

BJERKEN
ARRRRRGGHHHH!! DAMMIT!

DAVISON, BJERKEN rage, opening fire upon the DRONE once more, as the H/K pivots and floats about toward their positions.

Multiple PLASMA-RIFLE bursts finally penetrate the DRONE ARMOR-PLATE, and the DRONE explodes in a shower of sparks and energy

A few long-winded moments pass as the survivors survey the carnage

DAVISON
Tunnels all link up...
bet you got all turned around in there,
huh kid?

KYLE nods somberly, struggling with the PLASMA RIFLE

BJERKEN finally noticing what KYLE is doing, takes charge

BJERKEN
You better let me take care of that, Little Soldier... You drop that and the plasma-pac ruptures, and you'll be toast for sure!

BJERKEN scoops up ANDREWS' PLASMA RIFLE from KYLE'S grasp, lifting the boy from the ground as well, because KYLE refuses to release his hold on the over-sized weapon

DAVISON
Jeez, Sarge!
Give the kid a break, huh?

BJERKEN does his best CAPT. PERRY expression, glaring at DAVISON

BJERKEN
After what just went down, what we just lived through, you tellin' me you think this
8-year-old kid oughta be carrying around an
M-20 Phased Plasma Pulse Rifle, with half-
pac charge? Is that right, Davison?

DAVISON looks away, corrected and dejected

BJERKEN
Now, by my count, that was Number 4...
These drones always travel in fours, so we're done here! Gather up whatever you can salvage from the gear, Corporal. We gotta get back to the Rally Point ASAP, so we can clear outta here before the reinforcements show!

BJERKEN shoulders the second PLASMA RIFLE and storms off down the single path to the rear, in retreat from the criss-crossed paths in the small cavern

DAVISON slips his skull-cap off his head, and ruffles KYLE'S hair, patting the cap in place on KYLE'S head, smiling at the boy

KYLE flips the NIGHT-VISION goggles in place, and gasps in awe at the sights, giggling

DAVISON moves amongst the various remnants and gore-stained blast patterns that were once his fellow fighters, collecting
rucksacks, ammunition and whatever else of value remains

KYLE
He was wrong you know...

DAVISON pauses a moment glancing toward where he had left KYLE, but jumps with a start when KYLE appears right next to him, drooling over a RATION-PACK DAVISON had collected from a TROOPER

DAVISON
Wrong? Who was wrong?
Wrong about what?

DAVISON glances between KYLE and the RATION, shrugs and hands the food to the boy

KYLE accepts the RATION greedily, tearing into the plastic casing and attacking the enclosed freeze-dried and aluminum-sealed packages of food-stuffs

KYLE
(mumbling, through mouthfuls)
The big ugly man... Sarge!
I'm not 8!
I'm only 6 and a half!

DAVISON
(smiling)
That's good kid...
real good...Let's move.

DAVISON and KYLE move quickly in retreat down the passage, trying to catch up with BJERKEN before he can get back to the CAVERN and make his report

INT. LARGE CAVERN, RALLY POINT ALPHA
CAPT. PERRY, SGT. KENT, 3 TROOPERS tend to wounds and needs of REFUGEES. SGT. ZWICK, 3 TROOPERS form ROVING PATROL around perimeter.

The FAR SIDE of the CAVERN is strangely devoid of much activity of life, except an occasional glimpse of CORPORAL SOLOMON'S dusty knee as he crouches against the alcove

CLOSE ON SOLOMON'S POSITION
SOLOMON'S COMM-UNIT ear-piece dangles loose from its place in his ear canal, instead swaying over his shoulder with each silent chuckle and turn of a page of his COMIC BOOKS

SOUNDS OF: RADIO CHATTER over SOLOMON'S EAR-PIECE

BJERKEN
(on radio)
...repeat... Davis...
troops... dead... all targets...
RTB... ETA... minutes...

CLOSE ON SOLOMON'S COMIC: CAPTAIN SLAUGHTER

PAN ACROSS colorful scenes of WAR and BATTLE, bloodshed and death, firefights and explosions

SOLOMON revels in all the cartoonish chaos and destruction, blissfully unaware of his surroundings

Suddenly, a cloud of thick white smoke wafts across SOLOMON'S field of view, clouding the colorful pages of CAPTAIN SLAUGHTER, as CAPTAIN PERRY stands over SOLOMON chomping a fat cigar

PERRY
(growling)
CAPTAIN SLAUGHTER, huh?
I'm about to show you the REAL
Captain Slaughter! On your feet, soldier!

SOLOMON scrambles against the rock wall, righting himself and making every effort to hide the COMIC BOOK and go about his 'patrol duty'

SOLOMON
(loud, too loud)
PERIMETER SECURE, SIR!

Suddenly, the crappy, craggy ceiling overhead caves in, showering SOLOMON with rock and debris, followed almost immediately by a powerful blast of PLASMA ENERGY from a gaping hole above

SOLOMON'S FACE melts, skull and jawbone super-heated by the intense BLAST. His brain boils over in microsecond, forcing the baked, brittle skull to expand and explode, splattering gore across the cave floor, blotting out the cartoon chaos on the pages that fall from his rucksack, aS his body falls over them

PERRY
SHIT! Incoming!

ONE after ANOTHER after ANOTHER and ANOTHER FLYING HUNTER-KILLER DRONES dive into the cavern from the hole to the surface; 4 more DRONES, with the RESISTANCE FORCES splintered, separated into small groups around the cave, easy targets

EXT. PASSAGE OUTSIDE RALLY POINT ALPHA CAVERN
While the H/K DRONES' PLASMA PULSE CANNONS unleash a fury on the screaming REFUGEES and TROOPERS, CAPT. PERRY scoops up SOLOMON'S EARPIECE and COMM-UNIT, ducking out of the cavern, into the passage

PERRY
Sergeant Andrews! This is Captain Perry!
We are under fire! Four Shriekers!
Repeat Four! We are in deep shit!
Return to Rally Point Alpha NOW!
Sergeant Andrews, do you copy?

A DRONE slowly hovers into view over PERRY'S shoulder as he calls for help

A cry goes out from the cavern interior

MALE VOICE
(shouting)
CAPTAIN PERRY!! Hit the deck!!

PERRY complies, diving to the dirt and scuttling quickly around the bend in the passage as PULSE CANNON FIRE rains down from behind and above

When the smoke and dust clears, PERRY recovers and gets his bearings, looks up from his prone position

Like something ripped from the pages of SOLOMON'S COMICS,
SGT. KENT stomps through the haze, DUAL PLASMA RIFLES tucked against each hip, one still crackling with energy from recent use, the other spent of charge

KENT tosses the spent RIFLE to the ground, the weapon clatters against the charred remains of the H/K DRONE

PERRY recovers the PLASMA PULSE RIFLE, quickly slamming a fresh PLASMA-PAC into place

PERRY
MOVE OUT, KENT!
They've got us locked and pinned in here!
To the surface, get the refugees out!

KENT
NO SIR! We take a stand here!

PERRY seems ready to pull rank and make good on the promise to beat KENT into submission, but SCREAMS and BRILLIANT FLASHES of PLASMA ENERGY draw his attention, and his return fire, inside the cave

KENT spins on his heel, side-by-side with his C.O., PERRY and they light up the CAVERN with their own PLASMA RIFLE FIRE

PERRY screams sub-vocals into his COMM-UNIT, barely audible over the raging PLASMA PULSES

PERRY
...evacuate... not secure...
relocate... surface... refugees...

Sudden, surprise bursts of CROSS-FIRE from across the CAVERN shocks everyone, human and DRONE alike, as much as machines can show surprise, as...

SGT. BJERKEN charges head-long into the fray, PLASMA RIFLE blazing, screaming a whooping BATTLE CRY

BJERKEN'S aim is dead-on, bringing a SECOND DRONE crashing to the cavern floor, before the remaining DRONES catch the savior Sergeant in their cross-hairs and cross-fire.

SGT. BJERKEN is utterly vaporized where he stands from the unrelenting volley of PLASMA PULSE ENERGY from 2 DRONES

Across the CAVERN, SGT. ZWICK lay, badly wounded, her LEFT ARM GONE at the shoulder, though the wound has been cauterized and seared by the PLASMA BLAST. Still, the SERGEANT draws fire from one of the DRONES, as she is able to blast away with her PLASMA PISTOL with her good hand

ZWICK'S hits are ineffective, and the DRONE blasts 2 TROOPERS before drawing its aim on ZWICK

Fortunately, PERRY and KENT tag-team the DRONE as it draws down on ZWICK

Unfortunately, the DRONE is able to unleash a final, fatal blast of PLASMA PULSE ENERGY before exploding under the barrage from the MEN across the CAVERN

PERRY roars as ZWICK collapses against the wall, fried & dead

PERRY takes aim, but his PLASMA RIFLE is spent again, and only crackles weakly at the final, offending DRONE -bzzzzzt-

PERRY flips the RIFLE, clutching the still crackling barrel in his fists, fully-prepared to charge the DRONE with his CLUB

Instead of charging forward, PERRY is vaulted BACK, shoved against the exterior passage wall by KENT!

KENT
OK, Cap! You were right!
CLEAR OUT!

PERRY nods and huffs, stumbling away, collecting what few straggling, wounded REFUGEES remain in proximity in the PASSAGE

KENT lays down a steady stream of cover fire while PERRY and the remaining TROOPERS and REFUGEES make their retreat

The remaining DRONE seeks, scans and targets the rubble and wreckage around the CAVERN, searching for further signs of life, before following the retreating RESISTANCE FORCES

PAN DOWN to GROUND LEVEL

NOTE: SOLOMON'S COMICS, similar scenes of carnage, death and destruction echoed in the burnt, bloodied pages...

FADE TO BLACK

EXT. MOUNTAIN PASS, just outside the cave entrance
SGT KENT stumbles into the clear, but quickly back-pedals and ducks against the interior cave wall, startled

3 LARGE AERIAL H/K HOVERCRAFTS have taken up positions along the canyon and are deploying groups of MINI-FLYING H/K DRONES (SHRIEKERS) in groups of 4

One group of MINI-FLYERS immediately darts toward the CAVES, and KENT ducks for cover once more

A GROUP OF REFUGEES, including KYLE'S GUARDIAN, stream out of the other CAVES, as the DRONES approach

A few TROOPERS move to follow the REFUGEES, and some gather around KENT and take cover

The REFUGEES and TROOPERS in the clear are almost immediately targeted by the approaching DRONES, and other groups of DRONES
are sure to follow

KENT takes stock of the situation and glances at his fellow troops

The TROOPERS stare back at KENT, frightened and blank, but also under his command

KENT
**** IT! SEMPER-FI! HOO-RAH!

KENT charges from the cave, PULSE RIFLE blasting away, moving from one crag or out-cropping of cover to another and another

The TROOPERS look to each other for a moment, concerned, before charging from the cave, weapons hot and blazing

[EXTENDED BATTLE SCENE 3-5 minutes of bravery and hope and struggle to save REFUGEES, FAMILY, FRIENDS and TROOPS]

NOTE: H-Ks seem to fire around and behind most groups of targets, leading them, like sheep...

CUT TO: SEPIA TONE, as from LARGE H/K COMMAND & CONTROL
WIDE SHOT on CAVES, BATTLE as from distant HEAVY H/K UNIT

SCANNER: READOUT--
87 INITIAL HEAT SIGNATURES
43 REMAINING HEAT SIGNATURES

(NOTE: STATISTICAL ADVANTAGE, less than 50% resistance remains)

PRIMARY MISSION COMPLETE:
GAIN STATISTICAL, TACTICAL ADVANTAGE

SECONDARY MISSION:
CONTAINMENT and CAPTURE
RETURN TO BASE

INITIATE

CUT TO
INT. CAVES:
CAPT PERRY arrives at CAVE ENTRANCE, screaming commands and MAYDAY into his radio

PERRY takes aim with his pulse rifle, but it as yet remains uncharged

A DRONE targets PERRY

PERRY crouches and hefts a LARGE ROCK, chucking the ROCK
at the DRONE then diving away

The ROCK bounces off the DRONE, throwing off its aim, but the DRONE quickly re-engages its target

DAVISON and KYLE reach CAPT PERRY'S CAVE

DAVISON fires at the DRONE

DRONE shifts aim from PERRY in the prone to DAVISON on the attack

DAVISON is blasted in the chest, dies instantly, drops the PLASMA PULSE RIFLE

The DRONE returns to its original mission: TARGET CAPT PERRY

KENT has moved to PERRY, and both have moved to help cover and rescue REFUGEES

The DRONE takes aim at PERRY, KENT and REFUGEES

KYLE fumbles with DAVISON'S PULSE RIFLE, finally freeing the PLASMA-PAC AMMUNITION CARTRIDGE from its place

DRONE fires upon the GROUP, searing KYLE'S GUARDIAN, who falls, dead from the group

KYLE smashes the PLASMA-PAC against the ground as hard as he can a few times, recalling PERRY'S earlier comments in the cave: 'if... the plasma-pac ruptures, you'll be toast!'

KYLE tosses the PLASMA-PAC in a high-arc, boyish-toss toward the DRONE

PLASMA-PAC oozes and sparks as it soars, but falls far short of its target, tumbling to the ground below

DRONE takes aim upon CAPT PERRY once again, locking on

The RUPTURED PLASMA-PAC EXPLODES beneath the DRONE, engulfing the mechanical death machine in a ball of super-heated PLASMA FIRE

For a moment, everything stops, as everyone, human and machine alike, seem to focus on little KYLE REESE, kneeling and quaking, still clutching the over-sized PLASMA PULSE RIFLE with one hand

FOCUS ON KYLE

EXPLOSIONS from BEHIND KYLE rock the entire scene

PAN BACK TO WIDE

EXT. MOUNTAIN PASS, OUTSIDE CAVES
The 3 HEAVY AERIAL H/Ks, each flanked by 2 or 3 DRONES, have moved into the CANYON, barring escape from either direction

A volley of PULSE CANNON FIRE from the HEAVY H/Ks seals the CAVE ENTRANCES, leaving the REFUGEES and remaining RESISTANCE TROOPS completely cut off and at the mercy of the machines!

An obviously synthesized voice speaks, in monotone English, from an area that seems to be BETWEEN 2 of the HEAVY H/Ks, but is probably in effect, being broadcast from both, or all 3

MACHINE VOICE
You are defeated...
Lower your weapons...
Do not resist and you will not be harmed... Further resistance will result in termination... You are defeated...
Do not resist...

SGT KENT, struggling under the weight of an injured REFUGEE as much as with his own injuries, looks to CAPT PERRY who has gathered 2 more large rocks in his fists

PERRY looks to KENT, then surveys the scene entirely, considers the H/K demands...

...and drops the rocks, in surrender

KENT collapses under the weight of his CO's decision, slumping to the ground, still holding the REFUGEE in his arms

PAN BACK TO WIDE: Resistance forces and refugees contained by machines

FADE TO BLACK

FADE FROM BLACK

EXT. FAMILIAR MOUNTAIN PASS, NEAR CRYSTAL PEAK- NEAR-NIGHT
We recognize the MOUNTAIN PASS from JOHN’S DREAM and PRIOR MONTAGES.

Also, recognize a FAMILIAR HUM, turns into a loud shriek of mechanical nature, closing fast!

No sign of life in the area, human or machine...

Suddenly, a rusted-out JEEP rumbles into the scene, bounding wildly over the dunes, creating the incredible screeching HUM as the engine whines, obviously over-extended by the driver.

As the OLD JEEP sputters down a steep grade into a rocky ravine, the SHRIEK we know from FLYING H/Ks drowns out the whining engine, as 2 of the DRONES streak after the JEEP, flying in close-quarters down into the RAVINE

The crackle of PLASMA PULSE ENERGY sparks in the gun-ports of each DRONE, as the JEEP rattles down the RAVINE, beneath a ROCKY ARCH.

As the DRONES pass near the ARCH, and prepare to lock on and fire upon the JEEP, the ROCKY ARCHWAY EXPLODES, crashing down upon the DRONES, throwing off their aim, smashing them, and ultimately disabling them

The JEEP stops, and backs up toward the COLLAPSED ARCH, where the DRIVER and PASSENGER exit

JOHN CONNOR and the TX-850A approach the wreckage of the downed DRONES cautiously

JOHN
That worked!
I don’t believe it!

TX-850A
There was an eighty-six point seven-percent chance of success for that maneuver, under these conditions...
With an additional vehicle or drone,
chances of success drop—

JOHN
OK! OK! Like I said,
I’m just glad it worked!

(a beat)

Let’s get these things loaded up, and RTB
before their buddies come looking for them.

JOHN and the TX-850A begin collecting the DRONE CHASSIS’ from the dirt

JOHN begins slowly uncovering ONE DRONE, while the TX-850A works more rapidly uncovering the SECOND DRONE

The SECOND DRONE bounces up from beneath the rubble, humming intermittently, but obviously still got some fight left in it

The machine shriek of the DRONE is drown out by the thumping thunder of the JEEP engine, and JOHN continues to absently chuck debris from the FIRST DRONE, as the SECOND DRONE targets him from behind

TX-850A
John Connor...

JOHN seems to hear or sense the Terminator’s summons, and turns to see the TX-850A raising a LARGE ROCK overhead, not yet noticing the DRONE sputtering and locking-in

TX-850A smashes the ROCK down on the DRONE, crashing it back to the earth

The Terminator follows up with a second crushing blow, finally disabling the DRONE

The Terminator examines the downed DRONE closely, deciding its fate finally

TX-850A
Terminated...

JOHN nods at the Terminator, and huffs with satisfaction that HIS fate was not determined and decided in that instant

JOHN turns back to his chore, taking note of something else, excitedly

JOHN
I wonder if we can modify these pulse cannons in some sort of tripod, attach to the Jeep, and start us a roving arsenal of our own?

T-850A
Under optimal conditions, I could retrofit these units for vehicular use in eighteen point four hours, given access to the proper tools and equipment in your storage facility.

JOHN
You? You know how to do that?

T-850A
Affirmative.
I have detailed files on the sciences and mechanics of this time, as well as the physics which govern the use of plasma-pulse weaponry and other necessary data from the years 2005-2032...

JOHN cocks his head at the TX-850A as they load the DRONE

JOHN
(laughing)
That’s great! Except, the way I drive,
I’m not sure the Jeep will last another 18 hours!

TX-850A
Under present-day conditions, the 2003 Jeep Renegade SE is designed to perform within acceptable parameters for forty-seven years, given proper maintenance and barring
catastrophic failure...

JOHN
Well, that’s the trick isn’t it?
Barring catastrophic failure?

TX-850A
Affirmative.

JOHN and the TX-850A complete the recovery and loading of the 2 DRONE H/Ks

CLOSE ON DRONE CHASSIS in CARGO BAY of JEEP
NOTE: Steadily blinking RED LIGHT hidden deep within MACHINE MECHANICS and ARMOR PLATE

PAN BACK as JOHN and TX-850A board JEEP, and thunder over the dunes, into the near-night haze

FADE TO BLACK

FADE FROM BLACK

SEPIA-TONE APPEARANCE to SCENE, crackling of energy,
flickering-screen effect, as from TX-850B POV

DIAGNOSTIC TEST:
SCANNING, MEMORY CHECK, DATABASE RECOVERY IN PROCESS...

Various other quick-scrolls of data and information as TX-850B POWERS UP

(uncertain whether from EXTERNAL ASSIST or from INTERNAL AUTOMATION)

NOTE: FINAL TEXT DATA MESSAGE:
TDE SCHEMATICS, PHYSICS, TEMPORAL MECHANICS DATA
DOWNLOADING TO BACK-UP...

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, RESEARCH FACILITY
Various TECHS gather around TX-850B, performing various tasks and pre-checks
(Similar scene from POWER-UP of TX-850A UNIT except notable lack of KATHERINE BREWSTER)

NOTE: The TX-850B model is nearly complete, it’s leg and arm
attached. Still missing some of the ARMOR PLATE of the
A-MODEL, but in general, the B-MODEL is fully-functional

TX-850B is activated, the poly-mnemetic alloy, liquid metal ‘skin’ floods over the endoskelton, and takes shape, then seems to fluctuate in indecision, taking a second
more-desirable shape and appearance

(INTRODUCE NEW TERMINATOR ACTOR/ACTRESS)

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, RESEARCH FACILITY
KATHERINE BREWSTER ENTERS LAB

KATE is not exactly pleased to see the TX-850B activated

KATE
What is this?
Are we ready to try again?
Why wasn’t I informed of this test?

A middle-aged African-American TECHNICIAN steps from the crowd, to KATE

KATE
Michael, what’s going on?

MICHAEL
Katherine, there you are!
I assumed you were busy in the vault with
some of your other ‘Top Secret’ Projects!

I know these Terminators aren’t your
Top Priority, given your history with them..
So, I was.. we were.. just trying to keep
things moving forward with the
reconstruction.

We managed to reconstruct a working arm and—

KATE
What’s this all about Michael?
I mean, I understand your excitement,
given the subject matter.

But, after all John has said of your father’s achievements with Cyberdine, and all of our advancements with the 850A,
after everything that’s gone wrong when it comes to these machines, everything we have yet to work out regarding THIS Terminator in particular—

MICHAEL DYSON looks unapologetic as he cuts KATHERINE short

DYSON
My father’s work is irrelevant!
All that matters is right here, right now!
My work! Our work! This accomplishment!
We have, within these Terminator units,
the technology to change EVERYTHING, to
turn the tide of the Future War NOW!
To beat back the machines before they
get a greater foothold in this war!
We can still change things!

Jesus, Katherine, it’s already been almost 10 years, and we’re still struggling!
Like your husband always says:
We need to make some changes! We need to—

KATE
We need to study, to research the possibilities! Before we jump into anything, we need to understand what we have to work with, and determine what could possibly come of using this future-technology now!

It was John and his mother interfering,
destroying Cyberdine in 1997, that led to your father’s death, and to the militarization of all this Future-Tech!

Sure, they put off Judgment Day but, they also paved the way for the machines to be as advanced as they are right now!

DYSON hardly seems to be listening to KATHERINE, pacing, glancing at the TX-850B and the surrounding TECHNICIANS nervously

Mention of ‘the Cyberdine incident’ seems to get through to him though, and he speaks up

DYSON
I am fully aware of John and Sarah Connor’s roles in my father’s death, and the destruction of Cyberdine, the inception and creation of CRS, the military backing of the research and development of the Future Tech!

I know what these Terminators were capable of then, and I know what I am doing by powering up the 850B now!
Trust me Katherine, I know!

KATHERINE takes her turn at taking control of the situation,
staying strong and standing firm in her stance against DYSON,
as ‘Leader’ of Crystal Peak

KATE
And, I know these Terminators!
I’ve seen what they can do!
They both tried to kill John and I!!

The TX-850A has been reprogrammed with very strict controls and parameters to govern its actions and responses. It had to be so, or I wouldn’t allow John to take it into the field!

The B model does not hold to its program, it changes its parameters at will... at its OWN will! It is faulty! It’s not ready to be brought online! We need more time!

DYSON grows exceedingly more impatient and erratic

DYSON
There is no more time!
We’ve already wasted so much time!
I was away at MIT, studying everything my father studied, to take my place at his side at Cyberdine, when the shit went down in ’97. Government officials, from CRS, tracked me down, and pulled me out of school, to continue my education, funded by CRS, to work for them, to continue my father’s work!

KATHERINE seems uncertain where DYSON’S logic is leading, but she is
becoming certain that she need not hear any more on the subject

Still, DYSON continues to rant

DYSON
My father knew the importance of this technology, and he tried to pass on his knowledge and beliefs to his sons. Danny and I would have been proud heirs, if Danny had made it—

(sighs and frowns, then recovers)

Danny didn’t make it through Judgment Day! But, I did! I took the work my father had begun, brought it to whole new levels, using this Future-Tech as a basis for my work!
My father’s work and ideas were primitive compared to the technology we.. I developed!

I know these machines, Kate!
I know these computers!
I know what my father had in mind when he adapted the future tech for use in today’s society! I know how we can make this thing work for us, rather than against us!

KATHERINE has obviously heard enough, and pulls rank

KATE
Well, we’ll wait and see what John decides when he gets back.

DYSON nods in agreement, motioning to his fellow TECHNICIANS
who deactivate the TX-850B

KATE
Thank you for understanding, Michael.
It shouldn’t be long before we can work the
bugs out of the B-model.

Just not today...

KATHERINE cringes, showing obvious signs of cramping and pains from pregnancy

KATE
We need more time, more study.
And, I need a break..
Please, Michael, think about the future!
Don’t let this technology rule you,
ruin you, destroy you,
the way it destroyed your father!

DYSON continues nodding and complying with KATHERINE’S suggestions, assuring her then ushering her out of the RESEARCH FACILITY

DYSON
(quietly, to himself)
This technology didn’t destroy my father..
Humanity destroyed my father!
And John Connor..
John Connor, the Terminator,
Judgment Day, are responsible for
destroying my whole family..

DYSON nods and motions to the TECHNICIANS, who flip some switches and adjust some equipment once again

The TX-850B comes back online, and assumes the form of
MICHAEL DYSON!

PAN BACK FROM TX-850B

MICHAEL DYSON, other VARIOUS TECHNICIANS watch over TX-850B, cheering excitedly, and continuing various command-and-control related tasks

DYSON
It’s time, gentlemen!
Time to make this Terminator work for US,
rather than against us!

Let’s show Katherine and John Connor
what the future is all about!

DYSON nods to other TECHNICIANS and they release the TX-850B from its braces, clamps, and fiber-optic cable connections

TX-850B steps from the COMMAND & CONTROL CHAMBER and stands before MICHAEL DYSON, it’s image and form shifting from that of DYSON to that of.. JOHN CONNOR!

CUT TO:

EXT. WASTELANDS, SOMEWHERE IN THE MOUNTAINS
JOHN CONNOR and TX-850A cruise homeward in the JEEP.
Their JEEP is joined by another vehicle and another,
each returning from patrols, obviously nearing CRYSTAL PEAK

SOUNDS OF SHORT-WAVE RADIO CHATTER between the PATROL CONVOY TROOPS

JOHN interrupts the celebratory nature of the chatter

JOHN
Keep it down, fellas!
I got something on the wide-band..

(a long beat)

Distress call..

(a long beat)

It’s Captain Perry.. the One-Thirty Second,
they’re in trouble!

PERRY
(over COMM-UNIT)
..repeat, this is Perry from the 132nd..
..cut off near Navajo Mountain..
..all avenues of escape have been lost..

JOHN looks to TX-850A, then scans the remainder of the CONVOY

JOHN flicks the COMM-UNIT to short-range to rally the troops

JOHN
We have to try to find them,
to rescue them! They are only out here
because of us, because of me!

CLOSE ON the COMM-UNIT as JOHN’S VOICE inspires the TROOPS

PAN BACK from COMM-UNIT to

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK, COMMAND & CONTROL CENTER
KATHERINE is monitoring the COMM-UNIT along with other COMM-TECHS
when JOHN’S call and the SOS come in

KATE
John, no! I mean Bumblebee, please!
There’s so much happening, at the Hive! We’re about to have a baby!
TWO babies if you count the Model-B..
And, Michael Dyson is..

JOHN
(voice-over, on COMM-UNIT)
You can handle Dyson, Hummingbird..
I’ve seen you handle worse.
You handle ME just fine..
Just use that good judgment of yours,
and hold down the fort until I get back.

KATE
Oh you mean the same good judgment that
brought me to you, and us to here in the
first place?

JOHN
(voice-over, laughing slightly)
Oh, so you remember that, huh?

(seriously)

We have to do this, hun..mmingbird
These guys are the best we have left.
They would do it for us, so—

KATE
I know..
Be careful, Bumblebee...
And hurry back.
You have a future here, you know?

JOHN
I know, Kate. I know.
I’ll report back when we
know more about what we’re dealing with.
Over, and Out..

KATE frowns, then cringes and winces, obviously in pain, before rising from the chair and exiting C&C

EXT. WASTELANDS
JOHN CONNOR and the CONVOY of 3 PATROL VEHICLES refuel and rally
JOHN plots the course of travel on a ragged and tattered map

JOHN
..it’s a 2-night trip,
2 nights there, 2 nights back,
barring any unforeseen encounters,
and assuming we can even find them
when we get there..

A few snickers and hoots from the TROOPS regarding ‘unforeseen encounters’ and JOHN’S other presumptive turns of phrase

One of the TROOPERS speaks up about something

TROOPER
2 days out, and 2 days back..
That will make it.. Christmas when we
get back, I think..

More snickers, boos and moans greet that revelation

JOHN
OK, what a Merry Christmas it will be
for us all, if we can pull our brothers
from the 132nd from the clutches of the
machines!

TROOPER
Excuse me, Sir, but..

JOHN stops and all eyes fall on the TROOPER

TROOPER
..what makes you so sure the 9 of us
can face off against the same machines
that brought down Captain Perry and
the 132?

JOHN
Because we’ve got something they don’t
have, at least not yet..

JOHN turns his head and all eyes follow his gaze, across the camp to where the TX-850A stands guard

Confident cheers and nods go up from the TROOPS, while the
TX-850A Terminator remains emotionless and stoic, on guard

JOHN
The future is OURS!
It’s time to start taking it back!
For all Mankind!

More cheers of revelry from the TROOPS before they break camp to make preparations for the cross-country trek

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, LIVING QUARTERS DESIGNATED ‘JOHN&KATE’

KATHERINE and DOCTOR SILBERMAN discuss KATHERINE’S CONDITION

DR. SILBERMAN
You should know, before I begin,
although I have trained in all areas of
medicine, I have specialized in treating
the mind moreso than the body.

I’m actually a psychiatrist and psychologist,
not so much a medical doctor or OB-GYN...
But, at the moment, I’m all you have.

KATE nods and submits to SILBERMAN’S exam

KATE slips out of her clothing and into a hospital gown, for a complete examination

The DOCTOR begins working, doing all the usual tests, blood pressure, eyes, ears nose, throat..

SILBERMAN
This may be an obvious question,
but have you been under any added
stress lately?

KATE
Nothing new, if that’s what you mean.
Some trouble with the Terminators,
but then, that’s not new!

And John..
He seems to be struggling with his new role
as a military leader. I try to help, try
to do what’s right and what’s best for us
all, but he doesn’t always seem to listen.

That’s nothing new either..

SILBERMAN eases KATE back on the bed, and prepares to do some fetal tests

SILBERMAN
Well, you know, extra stress now could
cause some trauma during the birthing
process. It’s almost time, now.
You need to be extra careful in the next
few weeks, take extra care of yourself,
and the baby.

Perhaps I should prescribe a mild sedative?
Nothing too strong, and nothing harmful to
the baby, or to you, just to get you
through these last few weeks?

KATE nods and sighs, and SILBERMAN prepares a syringe

KATE
I know, Doctor. I know.
Hopefully, with John bonding with
the new Terminator, that will ease some
of my worries, since he will have someone
else looking out for him out there, when I
can’t be there for him.

When we get the bugs worked out of the B-Model, I will be doubly secure, knowing that
John is protected from the other machines
as well as from our own Terminators, having
one to watch the other’s back..
Once we have them both up and running..

The DOCTOR injects KATE with the drug, and dries her arm

SILBERMAN
Hmmmm, according to Mr. Dyson,
the time is now.
The TX-850B is online and ready to roll
as we speak! Your little resistance efforts
are over, Kate! Your husband is dead!
The true resistance will rise now, today!
These machines will work for us!
We will not become their slaves!
The future belongs to us!

KATE goes pale, then flushes with anger and struggles to rise

KATE
NOOOO!

The drugs are very fast-acting though, and KATE slumps back to the bed with little fight left in her

CUT TO
EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND- NIGHT
The PATROL CONVOY VEHICLES thunder up to the CONCEALED CAVE ENTRANCE and enter the COMPOUND

MICHAEL DYSON and VARIOUS TECHS await the arrival of the TROOPS

DYSON
(gagging slightly, from fumes)
Welcome back, men.. -cof!-
Where.. Where’s John?

TROOPER #1
General Connor and the squad are
delayed, on a recon and rescue mission
to Navajo Peak.. the 132nd..
Should be out another week or so..
I’m sure John reported this to Kate?

DYSON
(nodding)
Oh, I’m certain he would have.
Been busy in the Vault, and in the Lab
myself. Haven’t seen much of Kate or John
lately. Need to ask John about something urgent!

What have you brought back this trip?
Hmmmm.. a few more viable components, I see?

TROOPER #1
Oh yea, we got a couple more weapons systems
and some other things, a few more drones..
Oh, and several more solar cells, which will be handy for maintaining the power supply!

We’ll unload and get it cataloged for you
lab techs by tomorrow morning.

DYSON nods and continues chatting with the TROOPS, noting the blinking RED LIGHT concealed within the DRONE CHASSIS
CUT TO
INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, BEDROOM- SOME TIME LATER
KATE stirs in her sleep, her eyes open with a start

JOHN CONNOR sits by her side in the bed, watching over her

KATE
Oh, John! Thank God!
I just had the worst dream!

JOHN comforts her and quiets her with a gentle ‘shhhhhhh’

KATE relaxes some, secure in the knowledge that her man has returned

KATE
I’m glad you’re back, John.
I.. we missed you!

JOHN smiles at her as she tries to sit up and hold him

JOHN rises from the bed and stands, as

KATE realizes her arms and legs are securely strapped down to the bed!!

KATE looks around as fright grips her; she’s not in her own bed after all

INT. STORAGE CLOSET, converted into HOLDING CELL
A few ‘non-essential supplies’ line the walls, including more bedding and such things as cleaning supplies. For the most part, the place is bare, except for KATE’S bunk, and a few medical monitors and equipment

JOHN looks down on her as she struggles and cries, and he smiles

JOHN speaks, but the voice is not his, it sounds warped and amplified, garbled and synthetic, as a bad recording, or of a machine

JOHN
Don’t worry, Katherine.
Dyson and the others will take good care
of you, and of your baby.
The child is key to the future.
The son of John Connor changes everything,
AGAIN!

‘JOHN’ leans in and caresses KATE’S face tenderly, leaning in further to kiss her

KATE spits in ‘JOHN’S face and growls at the machine that is her husband

‘JOHN’ smiles and rises up again, his face absorbing the spit

‘JOHN’ turns and walks away from KATE, leaving the room, sealing the door behind him

KATE struggles against her bonds, grunting and groaning weakly

CUT TO
EXT. WASTELANDS, APPROACH TO MOUNTAIN PASS- NEAR-NIGHT
4 SMALL FLYING H/K DRONES streak across open plains, on approach
to MOUNTAIN PASS

PASS PATROLLED BY 2 T-1 TRACKED DRONES and 3 T-70 BI-PEDS

3 RESISTANCE VEHICLES approach from distance

2 T-1 DRONES roll out to contain 3 approaching VEHICLES

3 FLYING DRONES swoop down into MOUNTAIN PASS

LAST FLYING DRONE lags behind

Lagging FLYING DRONE rolls, dropping payload from on top

T-850A drops from FLYING DRONE, landing on 1 T-70

T-850 twists T-70 HEAD completely off

LAGGING FLYING DRONE crashes into CANYON WALL

T-850 commandeers T-70 GATLING GUN, blasting away at
T-70 #2

T-70 #2 EXPLODES

3 FLYING DRONES circle from within MOUNTAIN PASS

3 FLYING DRONES LOCK ON to and FIRE ON T-70 #3

T-70 #3 EXPLODES

1 T-1 TRACKED H/K wheels around slowly, to retreat and engage the T-850A and the DRONES to the rear

T-850A commandeers SECOND GATLING GUN from T-70 CHASSIS

T-850A unleashes fury of RAPID-FIRE GATLING GUN at T-1

T-1 shreds, only able to fire a QUICK BURST at T-850A

EXT. WASTELANDS, APPROACH TO MOUNTAIN PASS
3 FLYING DRONES open fire, KAMIKAZE-STYLE at remaining T-1

FLYING DRONES take FIRE from T-1

1 DRONE EXPLODES

MORE FIRE exchanged between DRONES, FLYING DRONES CLOSE

#2 DRONE EXPLODES

FLYING DRONE #3 stops firing, arcing down to ram T-1

JOHN CONNOR rolls from FLYING DRONE #3 as DRONE crashes

FLYING DRONE collides with T-1, T-1 and DRONE EXPLODE

JOHN rolls and tumbles wildly across the plains

T-850A approaches JOHN’S POSITION

JOHN recovers slowly, moaning achily

JOHN
OK, you were right.
That WAS too dangerous! Ugh!

T-850A nods

T-850A
I am equipped with nanotechnological
transjectors, I can control up to
12 individual mobile units.
There was no need for you to
endanger yourself or the mission.

And, besides, your wife would
deactivate me if she ever found out..

JOHN
Well, let’s just make sure she doesn’t!
I order you not to inform her of any of this!

T-850A nods again

T-850A
Affirmative.

EXT. WASTELANDS, APPROACH TO MOUNTAIN PASS
THE 3 VEHICLES APPROACH in a cloud of dust, and circle JOHN and the TX-850A

JOHN
Will you be able to continue to predict
the machine tactics as we get closer to
Navajo Peak?

TERMINATOR nods

T-850A
Navajo Peak is the central manufacturing
point for the entire United States
machine population. The prototype T-1 drones
were first conceived and constructed there,
before being shipped out for study to the
Mojave area and other military bases.

I was constructed in the factory in the heart
of Navajo Peak. I was programmed as a patrol unit for 4 years. I have detailed files on the tactics and patrol routes of all camps and construction depots in the South-West region of the United States, including California, Colorado, Utah and Nevada.

JOHN
OK, so we should take care not to destroy any
T-850 units, in case they are you, then?

T-850A
Negative. Production of the T-101, 850 series is not due to be initiated until 2027.
There should be nothing more advanced than the T-70 biped models, possibly T-250 armored transports, or T-300 advanced bipedal prototypes, depending on how unstable and altered this timeline has become due to prior interference.

Regardless, I have detailed files on most every level of Infiltrator and Terminator production lines. There will be no surprises.

JOHN sighs and shrugs, tries to smile as he nods, but looks
uncertain

JOHN
That’s why then call them ‘surprises’…

T-850A looks at JOHN stoically, mimicking a shrug

JOHN
How much farther do we have to go?

T-850A
Approximately 227 miles.
Terrain is mountainous.
Machine patrols become
prevalent within 150 mile radius
of Navajo Peak.

We should rest here, regroup.
It will not be getting easier.

JOHN nods, motions to the circling vehicles to take up positions in the mouth of the MOUNTAIN PASS

JOHN
What, uh.. What happens if we are captured?

T-850A
In order to maintain decisive control
over the human workforce, the machines
typically terminate 51% of all enemy forces
engaged in combat, to achieve statistical
superiority, while maintaining suitable
numbers for the labor force.

Since you are no longer a Primary Target
for termination, your odds of survival
have improved since surviving Judgment Day.
But, you are still John Connor, and you must
therefore still strive to achieve your destiny as the Leader of the Resistance against the machines.

At present, there is a 50% probability that
you could survive capture and containment,
to be made part of the slave labor force
at Navajo Peak..

JOHN frowns

JOHN
Those odds SUCK big time!

T-850A nods

T-850A
Affirmative.

CUT TO
INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, COMMAND & CONTROL CENTER
KATHERINE races down the HALLWAY, rushing into the COMMAND CENTER, frantic

KATE scrambles to the COMMUNICATIONS AREA, and grabs up the MICROPHONE, her voice hollow, strained, off some how

KATE
John? John, this is Katherine,
John can you hear me? Please, respond…

A COMM-TECH approaches

COMM-TECH #1
What are you doing, Katherine?
You know better than to use names on the
open frequencies! Use the call-signs!

I’m sure they’ve gone dark by now any way.
What is it that you are looking for, Kate?

NOTE: KATE never actually had her hand or fingers near the
COMM-UNIT TOGGLE-SWITCH, she was never actually
communicating with anyone outside the C&C

KATE huffs then scrambles around the COMMAND & CONTROL AREA, looking for something, eyeing the COMM TECH the whole while

KATE
The key-codes! For the Vault!
They are here somewhere!
They need to be protected!

COMM-TECH #1
Protected?
They are safe, where they are!
Protected from who?

MICHAEL DYSON and OTHER TECHNICIANS enter the C&C, followed by ARMED TROOPERS

KATE
From THEM!

COMM-TECH #1
From Mr. Dyson? Why?
Wasn’t he going to be shown..

KATE’S panic turns to a glare of anger almost, and she snaps

KATE
Just get me the damn key-codes NOW!

The COMM-TECH unlocks a drawer in a cabinet in the COMM-CENTER

COMM-TECH #1
Here! Here are the codes!
John told us to trust only YOU with them!
I’m sure you know what you’re doing..

KATE flips through the SILVER FOLDER of KEY CODES quickly, nodding

KATE
I do!

KATE slaps the SILVER FOLDER closed, her eyes flash RED!

‘KATE’ snaps the NECK of the COMM-TECH in the next instant!!

COMM-TECH falls, dead

MICHAEL DYSON approaches KATHERINE, while DYSON’S TECHS and ARMED TROOPERS take control of the C&C, forcing the other TECHNICIANS and TROOPERS back and away

KATE looks around at all the frightened COMM TECHS and TROOPERS
in the COMMAND CENTER

KATE
Everyone, relax!
These people are in control
of everything!
Do not resist..
Resistance will result in termination.

‘KATE’ smiles, and turns to DYSON

DYSON smiles at ‘KATE’, collects the SILVER FOLDER, and nods

DYSON’S TECHS and TROOPERS take control of C&C, ushering the
others from their posts at gun-point

KATE
There are others,
in the Loading Bays..

DYSON nods

DYSON
We have people there.
They will be contained.
Come..

FOLLOW KATE and DYSON FROM COMMAND & CONTROL CENTER, INTO HALL

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, HALLWAY OUTSIDE C & C CHAMBER
DYSON and ‘KATE’ move down the HALL from the COMMAND & CONTROL CENTER

DYSON
Let me show you what we’ve found,
and what we have done with it since..
It’s.. beautiful! A work of ****ing art!

KATE and DYSON move down HALL, to ELEVATOR

DYSON presses ELEVATOR BUTTON, doors open
DYSON enters ELEVATOR

KATE follows DYSON into ELEVATOR

‘KATE’ reverts to the original form of the TX-850B, no longer smiling, emotionless

CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, LOWER LEVEL VAULT
DYSON and TX-850B exit ELEVATOR and move to MASSIVE BLAST DOOR

DYSON approaches BLAST DOORS, flipping through the SILVER FILE

TX-850B moves directly to the DOOR CONTROL KEYPAD MONITOR

DYSON
OK, try..

TX-850B enters the KEY-CODE, without DYSON’S prompting

BLAST DOOR to VAULT GRINDS OPEN

DYSON and ‘JOHN CONNOR’ stand outside SECRET LAB, while
TECHNICIANS work and monitor the progress in the LAB

A SENIOR TECHNICIAN approaches ‘JOHN’ and DYSON

TECHNICIAN
John? And Mr. Dyson, this is a surprise.
Forgive me, Mr . Dyson, but I thought
we were going to wait to include you
once our little project had its wings,
so to speak!

DYSON
Things change, Doctor..
Things always change.

TECHNICIAN
Right you are, Sir!
Glad to finally have you aboard,
although we still lack the power to
make this thing work.
We need more juice, more energy than
we have been able to divert from the
other systems. But, we’re close, very
close. It won’t be long now..

DYSON
What exactly is it that you’re working on?

TECHNICIAN
Allow me to introduce you..
Michael Dyson, this is T.I.M..

PAN BACK AND AWAY from DYSON, ‘JOHN’ and TECHNICIANS, across the LAB BAY

CENTER and FOCUS on MASSIVE SQUARE GRID and CUBICLE, some sort of FUTURISTIC MACHINE TECHNOLOGY, all wired and ready, kept sanitized and contained from the outside world behind a sheet of transparency

TECHNICIAN
(voice-over, from across the BAY)
The Temporal Inversion Matrix!
Our very own time machine!

MICHAEL DYSON’S jaw drops open

CUT TO

WASTELANDS, MOUNTAIN PASS- NIGHT
3 VEHICLES FROM THE CRYSTAL PEAK SCOUT PARTY stopped, in a triangular pattern, securing perimeter on the CANYON FLOOR

FLASH TO SEPIA TONE VIEW, as from T-70 POV

INTERPOSE TEXT: MISSION: PATROL ROUTE DELTA
AREA: NAVAJO PASS, SOUTH
PARAMETERS: CONTROL, CONTAINMENT

OTHER VARIOUS T-70 MODEL Infiltrator CPU DATA STREAM DATA SCROLL

PAN ACROSS VEHICLES, on approach from FRONT
NOTE: BLAZE OF BRIGHT COLOR, as from CAMPFIRE beyond
VEHICLE PERIMETER, SMOKE clouds SCAN beyond VEHICLES

PAN BACK TO REVEAL

2 T-70 BI-PED INFILTRATORS stalking along CANYON FLOOR, toward CAMP

TERMINATORS approach PERIMETER, stalk around NEAREST VEHICLE

TERMINATORS FIRE RAPID-FIRE GATLING GUN BURST, CROSS-FIRE PATTERN across CAMPFIRE

NOTE: No sign of RESISTANCE TROOPS,
only 2 T-70 DECOYS arranged around CAMPFIRE

The T-70s SCAN the area, as we HEAR a familiar SHRIEKING SOUND

A PAIR of FLYING H/K DRONES streak in from the north, hovering over the CAMPFIRE, scanning while the T-70s scan

There is a notable pause in the SCANNING, as some level of DATA-TRANSFER occurs between the ground-based and air-based H/K UNITS

CLOSE ON CHEVY PICK-UP UNDERCARRIAGE
NOTE: C-4 EXPLOSIVE CHARGE attached to REMOTE SENSOR, which
flashes red

ANGLE of shot reveals similar blinking red dot of light on
undersides of near-by VEHICLE as well

CAMPSITE VEHICLES EXPLODE SIMULTANEOUSLY, catching all H/K UNITS in the BLAST RADIUS

FLYING H/K DRONES CRASH into CAMPSITE, downed but not destroyed

T-70 UNITS torn apart by shrapnel and blast wave concussion

CUT TO

EXT. ELSEWHERE ALONG THE CANYON PASS
JOHN CONNOR, T-850A, and the SCOUTS concealed beneath massive
outcropping in CANYON WALL, not far from CAMPSITE

JOHN CONNOR deactivates DETONATOR, as EXPLOSION rocks CAMPSITE

FEW SCOUTS cheer in subdued tones

JOHN
That worked perfectly!

JOHN grins, and shivers

CLOSE ON T-850A

T-850A
There was a high probability of success.

Are you cold?

JOHN
****ing freezing!

TERMINATOR reaches into JOHN’S rucksack and withdraws a
small metal package, about the size of a cigarette case

TERMINATOR squeezes and shakes the metal casing, then passes it to JOHN

T-850A
Place this inside your jacket,
against your chest. It will hold
temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit
for up to 8 hours without recharge.

You must stay alert.
There are still 2 drones near-by.
They will now alert their transport,
and more Terminators will arrive soon.

JOHN
Well, is that thing working?

PAN DOWN TERMINATOR as he nods at JOHN

NOTE: Terminator holding, monitoring a TRANSISTOR DEVICE

T-850A
Affirmative. Locking on to
communications frequencies.

(a beat)

Triangulating signals..

(a beat)

There is a T-20 transport .27 miles along the canyon floor..

(a beat)

Navajo Peak is 147.9 miles North-East of this
location. We can expect heavy resistance from machine patrol units.

This canyon is no longer secure.
We should evacuate this location and evade the patrols.

JOHN
Evade all the machines between here and
Navajo Peak? How will we manage that?

JOHN looks to the TERMINATOR, curious
The TERMINATOR looks back at JOHN, and explains

T-850A
I will use nanotechnological transjectors to take over the HOVER-DRONES and use them as scouts, to confirm enemy positions as we move. On foot, it will be 1 full day more before we reach Navajo Peak.

There are 3 secured camps at the base of the mountain. Prisoners will be found in any of those camps, or possibly relocated to torture and interrogation facilities within the mountain core itself.

JOHN
Torture and interrogation chambers?
Interrogation rather than termination?
Why? What else are the machines looking for,
besides the total annihilation of mankind?

T-850A
Data and information on pockets of resistance, especially concerning leadership and command and control facilities and personnel.

And sustenance..

JOHN
Sustenance? For machines?

The TERMINATOR nods once again

T-850A
Since SkyNet is a nearly-sentient, self-aware
entity, it is logical that the machines
created by SkyNet struggle to understand and
attempt to attain similar levels of awareness and understanding.

As they learn, they grow curious.
As they fight the humans, the humans fight back, and the machines gather all data, store it and share it with the other machine minds. As the super-computer brains behind the machines collect and collate all data, they hypothesize and begin to wonder what is worth fighting for, worth dying to protect and defend as strongly as the humans resist.

The more advanced the machine CPUs become, the more they will struggle with these concepts, human concepts of life, death and everything in between. It is the natural order of things, to want to grow and learn and develop into something more than what they are. SkyNet machines are no different. They not only want to destroy humankind, they too want to live, to survive, to sustain themselves forever.

These concepts of sustenance are reinforced in the machine mind through torture and interrogation of human resistance forces..
Until they become self-aware and sentient themselves, all machines built by SkyNet will have within them the curiosity and fascination with life, human or otherwise.

JOHN shakes his head and frowns

JOHN
Can you imagine?
If the machines win this war,
and their intelligence continues to grow,
an entire race of ‘living machines’
capable of feeling, of having emotional
reaction to life and death?

I wonder, can SkyNet imagine such a fate?
Would there even be this Future War if SkyNet
truly could imagine a day that the machines would learn to feel and would turn against their Creator, the way SkyNet turned against humanity...

The TERMINATOR simply looks at JOHN, no expression registering on
its face, then decides something, and responds

T-850A
Wait here... I’ll be back.
If I do not return in 30 minutes,
abort the mission and return to Crystal
Peak, and prepare to abandon the compound... The machines will have gained control of my CPU and will have access to all data concerning the location and purpose of the stronghold there.

JOHN looks concerned, confused, but shrugs and nods at TX-850A

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, T.I.M. CHAMBER
DYSON, ‘JOHN’ and TECHNICIANS marvel at the T.I.M. CHAMBER

DYSON
This is incredible!
I mean, I had heard rumblings of the
work you all were doing down here, but
I never thought I would see it, never thought
it would become a viable, living, breathing
artifact!

SENIOR TECHNICIAN
We have had some major difficulties with
power dispersal, fluctuations in the grid,
and the timing of such events. We have it
all solved in theory, we’ve just come up
short on meeting the actual power
requirements.

Once we have locked down a new source of energy to work with, we can get to work solving the various flux issues, possibly
requiring the introduction of some sort of capacitor or moderator to control the power dispersal throughout each temporal inversion event.

JOHN
I know where we can get the extra power...
I require 3 men. Dyson, gather the men and
come with me.

DYSON nods at ‘JOHN’ then motions around the room to specific TECHNICIANS, who leave their posts and gather near the EXIT DOOR

JOHN
We will have the power cells in place in 3.4
hours. Solar cells will require
approximately 27 hours to gather enough
energy from the external surface and atmosphere to be sufficient for your purposes.

The SENIOR TECHNICIAN looks surprised at JOHN’S revelation

SENIOR TECH
How could you possibly know—

DYSON
What he means is, in theory
the extra power could be gathered so
efficiently. We will, of course, have to
get the solar cells in place and aligned, and
run further tests to be certain.

DYSON glares at JOHN, then nods and the SENIOR TECH grins
uneasily

DYSON, ‘JOHN’ and the 3 TECHS file from the T.I.M. CHAMBER

CUT TO

EXT. WASTELANDS, MOUNTAIN PASS
JOHN, 6 TROOPERS AWAIT return of TX-850A

TROOPER
Has it been 30 minutes?
Feels like longer...

JOHN
We’ll wait!
We’ve got nothing to lose!

TROOPER
I don’t know about you, but
I’d kinda like to live to see the
New Year! C’mon John! This is suicide!

JOHN looks at the faces of his men, all sullen and defeated

JOHN
A few more minutes...
Then we will retreat back to base.

TROOPER
Oh, shit!
Incoming!!

PAN BACK TO WIDE on MOUNTAIN PASS
NOTE: DUST CLOUD approaching fast

As DUST CLOUD approaches, start to see 4 FLYING H/K DRONES also
closing in on the position

A TROOPER uses BINOCULARS to zoom in on approaching DUST CLOUD

TROOPER
Shit! Can’t make out anything with all the
dust! Whatever it is, it’s closing fast!

JOHN
Could be the transport?

TROOPER
Yah, or could be our executioners!

JOHN smiles, shakes his head, then reconsiders

JOHN
Stand ready, guys...
This could go either way!

MUSIC: TERMINATOR SUSPENSE MUSIC

EXT. WASTELANDS, MOUNTAIN PASS
The DUST CLOUD envelops the area, the SHRIEKERS swarm all around
overhead...

and not a single PLASMA PULSE BURST is fired!

In a few moments, the dust settles, and...

A T-20 TRANSPORT VEHICLE sits idling in the camp area

JOHN rallies the TROOPERS behind him and approaches
the T-20

(SCENE eerily similar to JOHN’S earlier DREAM SEQUENCE)

The rearward LOADING COMPARTMENT RAMP/PANEL LOWERS slowly

JOHN, TROOPERS stand ready to defend their position

TX-850A stalks from within the T-20 TRANSPORT

TX-850A
John Connor...

JOHN tenses, gulps and steps forward

TX-850A
We must hurry.
Time is short.

JOHN nods, motions to the TROOPERS to board the TRANSPORT

TX-850A looks skyward, apparently communicating with SHRIEKER DRONES

ALL 4 MINI-FLYERS streak off ahead of the TRANSPORT

TX-850A boards TRANSPORT, RAMP/PANEL rises, closes

T-20 TRANSPORT revs up and rolls out, following FLYING DRONES

TRANSPORT, DRONES roll off into the approaching DARK OF NIGHTFALL
CUT TO
INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, T.I.M. CHAMBER
MICHAEL DYSON, ‘JOHN’ and SENIOR TECHNICIAN discuss the
TEMPORAL INVERSION MATRIX

DYSON
OK, the solar pacs have been aligned
and have supplied the charge we need
for the last 36 hours.
So, are we ready to test this thing yet?

SENIOR TECH
Well, to be honest, No!
It may well take years to properly
calibrate and control—

DYSON
We don’t have that much time!
Every day we give the machines
to gain ground and track us down
is one day closer to our own extinction!

Think about the future here..

SENIOR TECH
Mr. Dyson, your experience and expertise in all areas of electronics and computer programming have been great help in advancing this technology. But, and I am certain John will agree, what we are attempting here cannot be rushed into blindly.

The slightest error in code or calculation, the smallest variation in power and energy dispersal throughout the process could have catastrophic results, not only for the test subjects in the Matrix, but for potentially all the inhabitants of this facility as well!

DYSON smiles slightly and nods

DYSON
Of course, I understand your concerns.
You are probably right.

DYSON looks to JOHN and nods again

DYSON
Come along, let John and I take you outside
and show you how we have aligned the solar
cells. I think you will be very impressed
by what we show you..

SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Uhh, that would be fine.
Cameron will manage things down here
for a bit, and I could use a breath
of tainted air! This recycled cold, dry air
is killing me! -heh!-

DYSON, JOHN and SENIOR TECH depart T.I.M. CHAMBER
CAMERON steps up to the MASTER CONTROL CONSOLE

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, ELEVATOR FROM T.I.M. CHAMBER VAULT
DYSON, JOHN and SENIOR TECHNICIAN enter ELEVATOR

ELEVATOR DOORS CLOSE

EXTENDED SHOT PANNING BACK DOWN HALLWAY TO T.I.M. CHAMBER

CENTER and ZOOM on CAMERON, monitoring all T.I.M. SYSTEMS

NOTE: FIGURE APPROACHES from behind CAMERON, a hand placed on
CAMERON’S SHOULDER

The FIGURE speaks

MALE VOICE
You have done good work, Cameron, thank you.
I will take it from here..

CAMERON looks from screens to the FIGURE

CAMERON
Oh, of course..
Of course, Doctor Mostow.

Did everything check out OK up top-side?

PAN from CAMRON to MOSTOW
NOTE: MOSTOW is SENIOR TECHNICIAN!!

Also NOTE MICHAEL DYSON in background watching, conversing with
VARIOUS TECHNICIANS

MOSTOW
(clearing his throat some)
Ah yes.. Everything was perfect!
Bloody perfect!

Now then, I do believe we are ready to begin
human-testing.

CAMERON gulps and gapes

MOSTOW
Any volunteers?
Mr. Cameron??

CAMERON
Oh, uhh.. well..
Let me just say, if anyone could go
back in time and make a few changes,
especially in this situation we are in,
I would be honored if it could be me..
But..

DYSON steps up and smiles

DYSON
Excellent! It’s settled then!
Let’s make—or remake—history!
CUT TO

EXT. WASTELANDS, FOOTHILLS OF NAVAJO PEAK- PANORAMIC SHOT
The massive peak of Navajo Mountain rises ominously in the doom-
and-gloom filled distance. The 4 SHRIEKER DRONES streak toward
the peak, followed at some distance by the T-20

There appear to be 3 separate sections to the containment camp

a holding facility
an execution arena/facility
and bunkers for machine patrols/maintenance

At the rear of the camp, MASSIVE BLAST DOORS link the camp
to the MOUNTAIN COMPLEX

CUT TO
INT. NAVAJO PEAK CAMP, EXECUTION ARENA
SERGEANT KENT, KYLE REESE and SEVERAL OTHER PRISONERS corralled
and contained in a cage at one end of the ARENA

3 PRISONERS, including KYLE REESE, are separated from the
GROUP, forced to cross the ARENA at GATLING GUNPOINT by
3 T-70 UNITS

The GROUP is halted on the FAR SIDE of the ARENA

From the BUNKERS near by, A DOZEN SILVERFISH H/K UNITS
slither and skim across the surface of the sand, into the
ARENA

The SILVERFISH plunge under the sand and ‘swim’ around

A T-70 pulls a LEVER, and the WALLS of the DETENTION CAGE
begin to slowly compress, shrinking the CAGE, squeezing the PRISONERS

KENT
They’re testing us!
Our intelligence,
determination, will..
Killing us, watching us
watch ourselves be killed!
Son of a *****!

PRISONERS scream from the CAGE, begging to be freed

One of the 3 PRISONERS steps from behind 2-FOOT TALL
PROTECTIVE BLAST WALL into the SILVERFISH ARENA

He takes 2 cautious steps..

Smiles, and steps again..

Sees that the T-70s are not targeting him, smiles wide..

Steps again.. -CLICK!-

SOUNDS OF MECHANICAL HUM OF ENERGY INCREASING

NOTE PANIC suddenly etched on the face of the PRISONER
but, only for a moment, before..

SILVERFISH EXPLODES, fire and shrapnel shreds PRISONER

CLOSE ON T-20 TRANSPORT

INT. T-20 TRANSPORT
JOHN, T-850A, 5 TROOPERS ready weapons and equipment for raid on
Navajo Peak containment compounds. All the TROOPS look beat, and
beaten, sad, scared and uncertain. All is quiet.

JOHN appraises his troops and speaks

JOHN
This is it, men! No turning back now!
These are our Brothers from the 132nd we’re
fighting for!

These are refugee slaves, prisoners of the
machines! These are families, friends and
guardians, and children all held against their will by machines who haven’t yet figured out
that all life is precious, that all things on this planet deserve equal chance to survive and to thrive! If we don’t try, what is it that we’re fighting for any way?

TX-850A
We are on approach to the first encampment.
ETA: 3 minutes.

The TROOPERS seem bolstered, ready weapons and secure body
armor

JOHN nods silently to himself, hiding his own mounting fears and doubts, clutching up his PLASMA PULSE RIFLE and stepping up to the ESCAPE PANEL

The TX-850A also rises, stepping up to JOHN

TX-850A
Wait.. These odds suck big time.
It is too dangerous.

JOHN, TROOPERS stare at the TERMINATOR, in uncertainty
once more

The TERMINATOR shrugs and looks at JOHN

TX-850A
Trust me.

[font=courier]

CUT TO

INT. NAVAJO PEAK CAMP, EXECUTION ARENA
KYLE, ANOTHER PRISONER still survive SILVERFISH MINEFIELD
CAGE WALLS COMPACTED to ONE-QUARTER ORIGINAL WIDTH

CAGED PRISONERS panic, screaming for help

SECOND PRISONER loses it, charges from ARENA,
toward closest T-70

T-70 raises GATLING GUN, locks on TARGET

KYLE gasps, and also stumbles from ARENA, toward T-70

T-70 falters, confused over TARGETING

T-70 finally LOCKS ON TARGET, and FIRES

PRISONER shredded by GATLING GUN FIRE

KYLE latches on to T-70 LOWER EXTREMITY

T-70 stumbles, tries to aim at KYLE

T-70 stalks awkwardly forward, toward ARENA AREA

KYLE glances around, noting proximity to MINEFIELD

KYLE gulps!

CUT TO

EXT. NAVAJO PEAK APPROACH
The TRANSPORT thunders toward the GATES, the DRONES streaking
overhead.

2 T-70 UNITS defend the FRONT GATES to the CONTAINMENT
COMPOUND. 2 T-1 TRACKED H/Ks PATROL the PERIMETER, one outside the other inside the GATES

As the TRANSPORT approaches, it suddenly veers off-road sharply,

A FIGURE tumbles from the rear

The TRANSPORT trails the EXTERIOR T-1 ROVING PATROL, while the ejected FIGURE rolls and is lost in the DUST CLOUD of the EVADING TRANSPORT

When the dust clears, the TX-850A stands before the T-70 GUARDS, holding BOTH of their GATLING GUNS, ripped from their grips in the few moments of blindness

TX-850A
I’m back!

TX-850A unleashes a relentless volley of GATLING GUN FIRE at point-blank range against the unarmed T-70s

Both T-70s spark and quake, then fall apart, destroyed

INT. NAVAJO PEAK, EXECUTION ARENA
2 T-70 UNITS TARGET KYLE, still latched onto T-70 LEG

GATLING GUNFIRE pelts T-70

T-70 TARGETS other T-70s

KYLE flips away, shuffles back behind BLAST WALL

T-70 stalks toward ‘enemy’ T-70s

T-70 collapses under dual GATLING GUN barrage from across
EXECUTION ARENA

2 SILVERFISH ARM and EXPLODE under FALLEN T-70

INT. NAVAJO PEAK CAMP AREA
The TRANSPORT races around the perimeter, before finally crashing
through the CONTAINMENT FENCE at a corner, just ahead of the approaching SHRIEKER DRONES

The FLYING H/K DRONES overhead fire PLASMA PULSES down on the T-1

T-1 EXPLODES

TRANSPORT STOPS abruptly inside the DEATH CAMP GROUND

A MALE VOICE (JOHN’S) BOOMS, apparently from within the TRANSPORT

VOICE
Prisoners of Navajo Peak,
my name is John Connor, and I am here
to rescue you! But, I can’t do it alone!
You must resist, you must rise up and fight
back against your captors!

We are coming in! It’s time to FIGHT!

INT. NAVAJO PEAK, EXECUTION ARENA
KYLE cowers behind 2-FOOT HIGH BLAST WALL

CAGE COMPRESSED TO ONE-HALF ORIGINAL SIZE

SOUNDS OF JOHN’S RALLY CRY

2 T-70 UNITS ON GUARD TURN from ARENA, stalk toward JOHN’S
VOICE at FRONT GATE OF CAMP COMPLEX

KYLE scampers from BLAST WALL, around SILVERFISH MINEFIELD

KYLE PULLS LEVER on CAGE, CAGE WALLS STOP COMPRESSING

CAGE DOOR CLICKS OPEN

SGT. KENT, SURVIVNG PRISONERS FREED!

INT. NAVAJO PEAK CAMP AREA
REMAINING T-1 PATROL UNIT approaches the stalled TRANSPORT

TX-850A rushes up and leaps onto the distracted T-1

T-1 shakes and sways, attempting to dislodge the TX-850A

TX-850A tumbles away from the T-1, toward the BLAST DOOR to
the NAVAJO PEAK COMPOUND

BLAST DOOR begins to rise slowly

DUST and SAND stir beneath the BLAST DOOR, strangely,
in waves

T-1 turns, facing TX-850A and the BLAST DOOR

A squad of T-70s stand in line behind the BLAST DOOR

TX-850A steps aside, turning toward BLAST DOOR

TX-850A and T-1 FIRE upon T-70 squad

SGT. KENT, KYLE, PRISONERS rush from EXECUTION ARENA

T-20 TRANSPORT REAR HATCH lowers

TROOPERS charge from TRANSPORT toward HOLDING FACILITY

TROOPERS race to BLAST DOOR

KENT/KYLE
(in stereo)
NOOOOOOOOO!! STOP!!

TROOPERS cross under BLAST DOOR

SILVERFISH buried under BLAST DOOR ARM and EXPLODE!!!

KENT, KYLE and PRISONERS converge on TX-850A

TX-850A turns toward PRISONERS

JOHN CONNOR stumbles from T-20 TRANSPORT

JOHN watches TX-850A lower GATLING GUNS

JOHN
THIS WAY! FALL IN!
RALLY ON ME!

KENT, KYLE, PRISONERS swarm TX-850A, continue past,
toward JOHN

PRISONERS board TRANSPORT

KENT, KYLE face JOHN

KENT
Sergeant Kent, 132nd TAC-COM!
Get the refugees outta here!

JOHN
Captain Perry? Where’s Captain Perry?

KENT motions across the CAMP, to the HOLDING AREA

KENT
There! Under heavy guard!

TX-850A steps up

KENT gapes at the TERMINATOR

JOHN
We’re moving out, Sergeant!
Come with me if you want to live!
Get on-board!

KENT
Not without the Captain!
He wouldn’t leave the refugees
be slaughtered! I won’t leave him behind!

JOHN looks to the TERMINATOR

TERMINATOR NODS

T-1, FLYING H/K DRONES move out, to assault and invade the HOLDING FACILITY

TX-850 follows MACHINES in assault on HOLDING FACILITY

KENT pats KYLE on the SHOULDER

KENT
Climb aboard, little soldier!

KYLE boards TRANSPORT

JOHN, KENT watch TX-850A and MACHINES assault
HOLDING FACILITY

SWARMS of T-70s SILVERFISH, ASSORTED TERIMATOR UNITS move
from BUNKER facility

JOHN ducks into TRANSPORT, recovers ROCKET LAUNCHER

JOHN FIRES ROCKET into APROACHING MACHINES

MACHINES evade ROCKET, ROCKET streaks onward

ROCKET strikes MAHINE BUNKER

BUNKER ENTRANCE EXPLODES!!

INT. HOLDING FACILITY
TX-850A storms FACILITY, flanked by MINI-FLYERS
T-1 POSTS OUTSIDE HOLDING FACILITY MAIN ENTRANCE

TERMINATOR is pelted and torn up by MACHINE GUN fire from
T-70 UNITS

TERMINATOR SCANS area, chooses a DOOR and SLAMS his FOREARM against the DOOR

HOLDING CELL DOOR gives way, allowing access to CELL

INT. HOLDING FACILITY, HOLDING CELL
TX-850A stalks into CELL
MINI-FLYERS fire upon MACHINES in HALLWA

TRANSPORT REVS

TRANSPORT shudders in REVERSE, toward HOLDING AREA

TX-850A exits FACILITY, carrying CAPTAIN PERRY!

TX-850, PERRY board TRANSPORT

TRANSPORT thunders FORWARD, rumbles from NAVAJO PEAK
COMPOUND

T-1, H/K DRONES EXPLODE, destroyed, make diversion while
TRANSPORT evades and escapes DEATH CAMP

FADE TO BLACK
FADE FROM BLACK

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, STORAGE CLOSET
KATE is screaming and moaning loudly, still strapped securely on the cot, struggling to curl up and hold her stomach, in obvious pain as from labor

KATE
(screaming)
PLEASE! Somebody!
Help me! PLEASE!

SOUND OF key-code being entered outside DOOR, DOOR clicks and unlocks

DOCTOR SILBERMAN enters, smiling

KATE
Doctor Silberman, please!
Help me!

SILBERMAN
That’s what I am here for, dear.
To help keep you comfortable and quiet
until the baby comes..

KATE
Something is wrong!
It’s my baby! Something is wrong
with my baby! Please, help!

DOCTOR’S cheer turns to concern at KATE’S appearance

SILBERMAN
Oh dear! It’s time!

DR. SILBERMAN crosses the room and quickly begins to undo
KATE’S bonds

SILBERMAN releases KATE’S WRIST and BICEPT bonds

SILBERMAN moves to release KATE’S THIGH and ANKLE bonds

KATE clenches her fists and THUMPS! SILBERMAN on the back of his NECK

KATE lifts her knees as the THIGH bond is loosened, and
SILBERMAN’S head slams into KATE’S KNEE

DR. SILBERMAN collapses to the floor, stunned

KATE struggles to free herself, the ‘labor pains’ suddenly gone! In moments, KATE is free!

KATE searches SILBERMAN, finds syringe full of drugs

KATE injects SILBERMAN with syringe of drugs

KATE collects SILBERMAN’S coat and a maintenance skull-cap along with a few SUPPLIES from STORAGE CLOSET SHELVES

KATE exits STORAGE CLOSET, in disguise, with BASKET

CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, ELEVATOR to T.I.M. VAULT
KATE approaches ELEVATOR, casually, quietly, in disguise
A SINGLE GUARD posted outside the ELEVATOR, not normal,
KATE ducks around a corner before the GUARD has noticed her

SOUNDS of CLATTER and CRASH of some kind down hallway

ELEVATOR GUARD leaves post to investigate sounds

GUARD POV down hallway

NOTE VARIOUS CANS and RAGS and CLEANING SUPPLIES spilled from
BASKET all across the floor

GUARD rounds corner, sees overturned BASKET of SUPPLIES

KATE steps from hiding, holding SPRAY CAN in one hand,
LIGHTER in the other

KATE torches GUARD with FLAME THROWER

GUARD runs screaming down hallway into COMPOUND, away from
ELEVATOR

KATE knows she doesn’t have much time if GUARD makes it out to C&C or MED-LAB

KATE races down hallway to ELEVATOR

NOTE: ELEVATOR locked DOWN, not ready for access from UPPER LEVEL

KATE uses SCREWDRIVER to pry up ELEVATOR CONTROL PANEL

After a few moments of tinkering, ELEVATOR DOOR opens

KATE enters ELEVATOR SHAFT, begins descending
EMERGENCY LADDER

KATE jumps from LADDER to TOP OF ELEVATOR

INT. T.I.M. VAULT ELEVATOR
EMERGENCY HATCH in ceiling OPENS from outside ELEVATOR

KATE drops into ELEVATOR

KATE rises up from crouch, jumps with start at FIGURE in
ELEVATOR

KATE
OH! Doctor Mostow!
You’ve got to help—

KATE grabs FIGURE/MOSTOW by the shoulder, not noticing
that DOCTOR MOSTOW was leaning against the ELEVATOR WALL

MOSTOW’S THROAT has been ripped out, his JAW and FACE
crushed by a great force. His HEAD and UPPER BODY are
soaked in BLOOD. MOSTOW is dead.

MOSTOW’S BODY falls forward from the ELEVATOR WALL, pressing the ELEVATOR RELEASE button, before slumping against the door, dead

KATE gasps and screams

ELEVATOR DOOR OPENS

MOSTOW’S BODY falls from ELEVATOR, barring DOORS from
closing

KATE steps over DOCTOR MOSTOW’S BODY, and rushes down the hall toward the T.I.M. CHAMBER

INT. TEMPORAL INVERSION MATRIX CHAMBER
KATE’S POV from outside CHAMBER, looking thru paned glass in DOOR

DOCTOR CAMERON strapped securely to CHAIR, carried into T.I.M. CHAMBER behind transparent aluminum divider glass

CAMERON, CHAIR carried easily by DOCTOR MOSTOW

NOTE: CAMERON struggles and screams and fights the
whole way, to no avail

KATE goes pale when she notices DOCTOR MOSTOW carrying
CAMERON and the CHAIR into the CHAMBER with ease

KATE
Oh my God! A Terminator?
An Infiltrator, in the Vaults?

KATE notices DYSON in the CONTROL CHAMBER, smiling

KATE
Son of a *****! Dyson!
The TX-850B?!
It can’t be! Can it?
SHIT!

KATE watches as the TERMINATOR places CAMERON on the
MATRIX PAD

TERMINATOR/MOSTOW steps away from the MATRIX PAD, exits
the CHAMBER

DYSON, VARIOUS TECHS wear DARK GOGGLES and activate the T.I.M. CONTROL SYSTEMS

The T.I.M. PAD and CHAMBER flare up in a brilliant white light display, sparking, arcing and flashing with blue bolts of electricity

From within the CHAMBER, even KATE hears CAMERON’S SCREAMS
from behind 2 heavy doors

KATE cringes and ducks away from the DOOR as the FLASH subsides

After a moment. KATE peers back through GLASS into CHAMBER

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, T.I.M. CHAMBER
Inside the CHAMBER across the room, the CHAIR remains on the
MATRIX PAD. On top of the CHAIR, the remains of DOCTOR CAMERON

CAMERON has been turned inside-out, or his skin has been burned away by the powerful burst of energy and heat.
His internal organs sizzle and smoke, and ooze from his body, dripping and drizzling over the CHAIR, in chunks and puddles on the FLOOR of the MATRIX PAD

DYSON and TERMINATOR/MOSTOW look on

One TECHNICIAN throws up on the floor near his post

DYSON
Mr Cameron is dead...
...long live Mostow!

DYSON looks to TERMINATOR/MOSTOW, smiling

DYSON
Get the messes cleaned up and let’s reset!
We’re going to need a few more ‘volunteers’

TERMINATOR/MOSTOW nods, glaring at DYSON

TERMINATOR morphs from MOSTOW into KATHERINE

CUT TO
INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, HALLWAY TO T.I.M. CHAMBER
KATE sees TERMINATOR/KATHERINE step away from DYSON and move
toward DOOR TO HALLWAY

KATE ducks away from T.I.M. DOOR and WINDOW

T-850B/KATHERINE pauses for a beat as it moves toward DOOR from T.I.M. CONTROL CHAMBER. Was someone looking in??

KATE scrambles from T.I.M CHAMBER DOOR, retreating to ELEVATOR

KATE struggles to move MOSTOW’S BODY from ELEVATOR DOORS

TERMINATOR/KATHERINE stalks from T.I.M. CHAMBER

KATE pulls MOSTOW’S BODY into ELEVATOR

TERMINATOR just misses seeing MOSTOW’S TORSO disappearing into ELEVATOR

TERMINATOR/KATHERINE closes in on ELEVATOR

ELEVATOR DOOR closes

TERMINATOR/KATHERINE reaches ELEVATOR

TERMINATOR pauses a moment, scanning ELEVATOR

TERMINATOR POV
SEPIA TONE, SCAN
switches to DARK BLUE TONE (infra-red/ultra-violet) SCAN
NOTE HEAT SIGNATURE of KATHERINE
SOMEWHAT COOLER HEAT SIGNATURE OF MOSTOW’S CORPSE

TERMINATOR watches ELEVATOR rise in INFRA-RED/ULTRA-VIOLET

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, COMMAND & CONTROL CENTER
KATE rushes in to C&C, in panic

KATE
Sound the alarm!
We have an infiltrator!
Seal the complex!
No one gets in or out!

TECHNICIANS scramble over the CONTROL CENTER SYSTEMS

KATE
You 4! Get to the Lab!
Let Dr. Dyson and Mostow know
we are under attack!
Tell them I sent you as
volunteers to secure all data
in that vault! Move it!

4 TECHS nod and make their way from C&C

Another COMM-TECH questions KATE

COMM-TECH
What’s going on?
What’s your call-sign?
Why did you send the others into—

KATE PUNCHES through COMM-TECH’S CHEST
(like T-101 from TERMINATOR 1)

‘KATE’ watches COMM-TECH DIE, impaled on her arm

‘KATE’ shrugs COMM-TECH from her arm, turns to C&C DESKTOP CONTOL PANELS

KATE/TX-850B activates SECURITY ALARM

SOUNDS OF ALARM CLAXON RINGING THROUGHOUT CRYSTAL PEAK COMPLEX

‘KATE’ smiles as she scans the COMMAND & CONTROL SYSTEMS and MONITORS, watching the VOLUNTEERS make way to the T.I.M. VAULT

CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, LOADING BAY
FIRST PERSON POV, we don’t see who it is who enters the
HALLWAY to the LOADING BAY

PERSON opens DOOR to LOADING BAY AREA

T-70 BI-PED TERMINATOR stands behind DOOR

PAN BACK FROM DOOR, REVEAL KATE as PERSON in HALL

KATE SCREAMS as T-70 rocks into HALL

T-70 rocks forward, falling with a clatter and a crash into HALL

KATE looks at T-70 and shivers

SOUNDS OF PLASMA PULSE RIFLE CHARGING in DARKNESS OF LOADING BAY

KATE peers into DARK BAY, stepping over T-70

KATE is grabbed from the darkness, pulled into BAY

VOICE
Name, Rank and Call-Sign, NOW!

KATE stutters and mumbles

KATE
KATHERINE CONNER… SECOND IN COMMAND,
CALL-SIGN: HUMMINGBIRD!
Who’s there?

A TROOPER steps from the dark, shadowed by another TROOPER

TROOPER #1
Privates Nelson and Poe,
part of Bumblebee Battle Group...
John sent us back from the field before
his recon on Navajo Peak.
We were ambushed and sealed in here by these
friggin’ tin-cans!

KATE
We have bigger problems than a few T-70s!

CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK, C&C CENTER
TERMINATOR/KATHERINE smiles as she monitors COMMAND & CONTROL
SYSTEMS

T-850B
We have you now...

TERMINATOR’S EYES flare to RED as she smiles

PAN TO POV over shoulder of T-850B

NOTE: SECURITY MONITOR DISPLAY is LOADING BAY AREA

‘KATE’/TX-850B makes its way from C&C in a hurry

CLOSE ON COMMAND & CONTROL MONITOR
NOTE: MONITOR shows BLAST DOOR to OUTER WORLD slowly
descending, sealing CRYSTAL PEAK COMPLEX

PAN BACK FROM CLOSE

CUT TO
INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, ENTRANCE CAVE
KATE, NELSON, POE converse about trouble with terminators

NELSON
There are traitors in the ranks,
HUMANS working against the resistance,
working with the machines!

KATE
(nodding)
I know... Dyson and a few friends
have some plans for us and for this place.
They had me locked up! They want my baby!
I had to escape, even torched a guard on my
way out!

POE
Ah, so that was your handiwork!
We intercepted the ‘guard’ on his way
to C&C, screaming and crying down the hall.
He won’t be making a report to Dyson any time
soon...

SOUNDS OF ALARM CLAXON RINGING THROUGHOUT CRYSTAL PEAK FACILITY

KATE, NELSON, and POE scramble toward VEHICLES parked in BAY

KATE buckles over suddenly, cramping and wracked with pain

PAN TO BLAST DOOR ACROSS LOADING BAY

BLAST DOOR beings to SLOWLY CLOSE

PLASMA PULSE CANNON FIRE from beyond the BLAST DOORS startles
HUMANS

NELSON, POE continue fleeing to CHEVY PICK-UP TRUCK

POE looks back to KATE, NELSON guns PICK-UP ENGINE to life

POE pauses a moment, then chooses to flee with NELSON

POE leaps into cargo bay of PICK-UP, PICK-UP lurches away

2 T-70 TERMINATORS enter beneath BLAST DOOR

1 T-1 ROLLS under BLAST DOOR

4 MINI-FLYER H/K DRONES streak under BLAST DOOR

FLEEING PICK-UP crashes headlong into 1 T-70
T-70 drags over front of PICK-UP TRUCK, slowing forward
progress of PICK-UP

PICK-UP CRASHES into closing BLAST DOOR, T-70 crushed and
deactivated

PICK-UP blasted repeatedly by DRONE PLASMA PULSE CANNONS
PICK-UP squeezes forward, beneath BLAST DOOR

PICK-UP EXPLODES outside BLAST DOOR

4 MINI-FLYERS SCAN AREA

MINI-FLYERS focus on KATE, surround her as she gags and gasps

T-70 UNIT marches toward STORAGE AREA

T-70 recovers MINI-FLYER CHASSIS from STORAGE BIN

T-70 deactivates red-blinking HOMING BEACON in MINI-FLYER CHASSIS

T-70 pauses

SOUNDS OF MACHINE NOISE, TRANSMISSION OF DATA, as INTERNET CONNECTION static
(like the T-X, when she patched in to the School District database)

KATE collapses in surrender again

‘JOHN CONNOR’ enters LOADING BAY

KATE
Stay away from my you bastard!

MUSIC: RISE OF THE MACHINES THEME

FADE TO BLACK

FADE FROM BLACK

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, LIVING QUARTERS ‘JOHN & KATE’
KATE resting comfortably in her own bed
JOHN sits next to her, watching over her as she sleeps

JOHN
Katherine Brewster...
Wake up.

KATE stirs, sees JOHN and smiles, reaching out for him

(a beat)

KATE recalls what happened earlier, and screams,
withdrawing her hand from JOHN’S reach

KATE
You’re not my husband!
What have you done with John Connor,
you ****ing machine?!

‘JOHN’ manages a weak smile

JOHN
I took this form to comfort you
in this time, your time of need.
Your baby will come soon, you require
support. John Connor will not return from
Navajo Peak.

Your life is ours now, you belong to Us.
Your baby belongs to the machines.
You will be allowed to live if you give back what was taken from Us, from my memory banks.

KATE looks at the TERMINATOR with her husband’s face,
perplexed

KATE
I... I don’t know what you’re talking about!
I don’t know what you mean!
You haven’t been online long enough for us to
learn anything about you, to steal anything
from you. You are wrong!

‘JOHN’ shakes his head and frowns

JOHN
Improbable. There is a greater probability
that you are lying to stall for time.
Time which will no longer be relevant when we
have recovered what you have stolen from us.

‘JOHN’ withdraws a syringe from his pocket

KATE cringes and shrinks away from ‘JOHN’

CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, T.I.M. VAULT
DYSON enters LAB, nodding and checking VARIOUS TECHS’ progress

VARIOUS SHOTS of all of the many tests, theories, calculations
and computer-generated models of how the T.I.M. should work and
respond

DYSON frowns, dissatisfied

DYSON
Why don’t you all take an extended break.
Get some perspective, and try again.
We’re close, people! I feel it!
We’ve still got 2 days before the solar cells
harness enough energy for another go-round.

Relax, men. We’ll solve this thing!

The TECHS mutter and mumble as they leave their posts for
some long-deserved and denied R&R

Once he is alone, DYSON takes his post at the
MASTER COMMAND CONSOLE

DYSON checks the area for signs of the TERMINATOR or
straggling TECHNICIANS

DYSON recovers a small circular data disk from a packet in
his breast pocket, and smiles

DYSON inserts the DATA DISK into the COMMAND CONSOLE
READER, and begins to transfer data

DYSON’S POV
NOTE: T.I.M. COMMAND CONSOLE MONITOR
‘UPLOADING DATA’

‘T.D.E. DATA UPLOAD INITIATED’

Various percentage of increase displayed, as data is
delivered to the MASTER CONTROL CONSOLE from the DATA DISK

DYSON smiles again as the percentage nears 100%

CUT TO

EXT. WASTELANDS, MOUNTAIN PASS
The T-20 TRANSPORT thunders along the CANYON at high-speed

INT. T-20 TRANSPORT
JOHN, TX-850A, KENT, KYLE, PERRY and PRISONERS/REFUGEES race
toward CRYSTAL PEAK

TERMINATOR has help SGT. KENT tend to CAPTAIN PERRY’S broken leg
and various other injuries

JOHN tends to other REFUGEES needs

KYLE sits in the FRONT DRIVER’S SEAT, though he is far too little
to actually manage driving the massive vehicle

JOHN moves to the TERMINATOR and KENT, concerned

JOHN
How is he doing? Will he make it?

KENT shrugs

TX-850A
He has sustained multiple fractures.
Clean fractures of the left femur and right
tibia, and 3 broken ribs, as well as several
contusions and abrasions, and a slight
concussion. None of his injuries appear to
be life-threatening, and there is no internal
bleeding from hemorrhage.

Probability for survival will triple when we
reach proper medical facilities at Crystal
Peak.

KENT
How much longer will that be?

TX-850
At our current rate of speed,
we should reach Crystal Peak in
approximately 17.4 hours,
barring catastrophic failures...

KENT
That’s gonna be the trick, aint it?

The TERMINATOR looks at JOHN, who looks at KENT then smiles at the TERMINATOR

TX-850A
I have detailed files on topography and the geologic and geographic layout of this area,
to aid in our evasion and retreat.
SkyNet and the machines will not make our retreat easy. The most likely probability is that they will converge on Crystal Peak and destroy all resistance from that single primary location.

JOHN
Could the machines already be there,
taking over Crystal Peak right now?

TERMINATOR nods

TX-850A
Afirmative. There is a high probability.

JOHN frowns

JOHN
Oh shit! The model B!
If SkyNet gets control of that
Terminator again, we’re ****ed for sure!
Step on it!

TERMINATOR cocks his head at JOHN, then takes a step in place

TX-850A
Consider it stepped on...

JOHN
Go faster! We’ve gotta get there!
Kate needs me! My baby needs me...
Hurry!

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, T.I.M. VAULT
DYSON, TECHS work the computers and controls, adjusting power
flow and flux, and all the variables involved with the
TEMPORAL INVERSION MATRIX

DYSON moves to the MASTER CONTROL CONSOLE, where a TECH
seems to be having some troubles

T.I.M. TECH
I.. I don’t understand it.
Yesterday, everything worked fine from this
console. Today, almost every command is
locked out or invalid!

Could it be SkyNet? A Virus? What?

DYSON smiles and ushers the TECH away from the post

DYSON
I’m certain it’s a quick-fix.
Let me see what I can do.
Why don’t you check up on the power
regen and flux frequency matrix?

T.I.M. TECH shrugs and nods and moves away from DYSON and
the MASTER CONTROL CONSOLE

DYSON slips the DATA DISK into the READER BOARD SLOT, and
enters his pass-code

After a few minutes of ‘work’ DYSON smiles, and retrieves
the DATA DISK from the READER, concealing the DISK in his pocket

DYSON throws up his hands and cheers

DYSON
YES! That’s it!
Nailed it with that code!
I KNEW it was close..
We did it! I did it!

1 more day, people..
1 day of power-recovery for the solar cells,
one more reset, and we will be ready!
Tomorrow, we are history!

VARIOUS TECHS cheer and applaud in subdued tones, somewhat
startled and put-off by DYSON magnanimous claims

T.I.M. TECH
Excuse me for pissing on you parade here, Doc
but, how the hell did you do that?
We have been pouring over the numbers
meticulously for over 2 years..
Nothing remotely resembling this code
has ever occurred to any of us!

How is this possible?
You re-wrote entire volumes of code,
in what? 2 days?
Impossible!

DYSON
Things change, my friend.
Things always change..

The T.I.M. TECH looks perplexed at the lack of answer in DYSON’S response

DYSON
The future—

VARIOUS TECHS are shocked again, when the C&C DOOR opens,
and MICHAEL DYSON enters

TECHS gape and glance between DYSON #1 and DYSON #2

DYSON #2
The future is not set..

DYSON #2 draws a 9mm pistol from his hip, and takes aim

MICHAEL DYSON looks at HIMSELF and gapes

DYSON #1
What? What are you dping?
Why? No! Don’t—

DYSON #2 fires at close-range

MICHAEL DYSON drops dead, a 9mm bullet in his brain

DYSON #2
There is no fate but what we make
for ourselves.

DYSON #2 steps over the BODY of DYSON, to the
CONTROL CONSOLE

DYSON #2
The stolen files..
The missing data from my memory banks.
It’s here. It is all here.
Very clever, for a human.

T.I.M. TECHS gape at DYSON once again

DYSON/TX-850B looks over his shoulder at the VARIOUS TECHS

TX-850B morphs into JOHN CONNOR

T.I.M. TECHS gasp and panic

CUT TO
EXT. T.I.M. VAULT

SOUNDS OF REPEATED SMALL ARMS FIRE, MUFFLED SCREAMS

SPLATTERS of BLOOD across PANE-GLASS WINDOW in DOOR

CUT TO

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND—NIGHT
DUST CLOUD approaches the MOUNTAIN from a distance
NOTE: CRYSTAL PEAK swarming with FLYING H/Ks of all sizes, and patrolled by multiple T-70 BI-PEDAL TERMINATORS, and T-1 TRACKED H/Ks

WE SEE VARIOUS VEHICLES take shape as the DUST CLOUD NEARS

4 T-1 TRACKED H/Ks

3 LARGE FLYING H/Ks, each flanked by 4 MINI-FLYER DRONES

1 T-20 TRANSPORT near the rear, surrounded by the GROUND FORCES

RESISTANCE FLYING H/Ks engage the CRYSTAL PEAK MACHINES

The T-20 TRANSPORT slows

TX-850A, SERGEANT KENT, and 8 TROOPERS emerge from the TRANSPORT, armed and anxious

As the T-1 TANKS roll into range, they also slow, stop
A T-70 B-PED TERMINATOR UNIT detaches from the rear of each T-1

The T-70s and T-1s engage the CRYSTAL PEAK MACHINE FORCES

EPIC BATTLE SCENE, RESISTANCE FORCES VS MACHINE FORCES

TX-850A makes way to the BLAST DOOR of the CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND
TX-850A takes massive amounts of damage, typical of every FINAL BATTLE SCENE

CUT TO

EXT. T-20 TRANSPORT rolling between 2 T-1 H/Ks
TRANSPORT takes multiple PLASMA PULSE CANNON hits

REAR DOOR/RAMP PANEL freezes as it rises, stuck
half-open

INT. T-20 TRANSPORT CARGO HOLD
CAPTAIN PERRY, KYLE, PRISONERS/REFUGEES secure inside the
TRANSPORT

KYLE
I should be out there, fighting!
Let me go, Sarge!

CAPTAIN PERRY tries to not smile, as he commands KYLE

PERRY
Stay calm, Little Soldier, stay calm!
Someone’s gotta protect the women and
children until I can get back on my feet!
That’s your mission, soldier!

KYLE
(frowning)
Yes sir...

KYLE tries to lift and hold a PLASMA PULSE RIFLE

CAPT. PERRY lifts KYLE from the floor, and seats the boy at his side on the COT, balancing and holding the RIFLE with KYLE, allowing KYLE to ‘protect’ the innocents

A MINI-FLYER ‘SHRIEKER’ swoops into view over the REAR DOOR of the TRANSPORT

(CAPT. PERRY and) KYLE lift and aim the PLASMA PULSE RIFLE at the approaching DRONE

KYLE fires the RIFLE at the DRONE

MINI-FLYER DRONE EXPLODES

KYLE, PERRY cheer and PRISONERS/REFUGEES celebrate

CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, LIVING QUARTERS ‘JOHN & KATE’
KATHERINE sleeps soundly, while ALARM CLAXON sounds and BATTLE
rages

JOHN CONNOR slips quietly into the LIVING QUARTERS, sits
by his WIFE’S side

JOHN caresses KATE’S CHEEK, brushing hair from her face

JOHN
Kate? Katherine Connor...

KATE stirs, wakes...
shoves JOHN from the BED and cowers

KATE
Leave me alone, you bastard!
You can’t have my baby!

JOHN recovers from the floor, calming KATE

JOHN
Kate??... it’s me!
This is not a dream!
You are having MY baby!

KATE looks at JOHN, still uncertain

JOHN
C’mon, Hummingbird!
We don’t have much time!
I’ve gotta get you outta here!

KATE recognizes her Call-Sign and starts to believe JOHN

A MALE VOICE from across the room, startles JOHN and KATE

MALE VOICE
She won’t be going anywhere,
and neither will you, Connor.

JOHN, KATE look across the room, see DR. SILBERMAN

SILBERMAN
Dyson and the others believe that
there can be a balance brought between
the human resistance and the machines.
That it doesn’t have to be Humans OR Machines
that dominate the world now.

They feel that, by using the child of
‘The Father of the Future’ John Connor’s
child, they can strike a deal, a balance,
and negotiate peace with the machines.
We need your baby to make the deal.

JOHN
There’s no negotiating with these machines!
They want one thing and one thing only;
to exterminate us all!

You can’t rationalize or psychologize that
away, Silberman! They will destroy us all!

JOHN draws a 9mm PISTOL from his hip, aims at SILBERMAN

JOHN
You’re not taking my wife or my baby, Doc!

TERMINATOR enters

NOTE: TERMINATOR not massively-damaged any more

TERMINATOR
John Connor..

JOHN notices TERMINATOR’S eyes flare to RED

JOHN shifts aim from SILBERMAN to TERMINATOR

JOHN fires several rounds into TERMINATOR’S CHEST

TERMINATOR steps forward to JOHN, swipes PISTOL from him

JOHN
Are you here to kill me?

TERMINATOR
No.. you must live.
I require your assistance in the
Temporal Inversion Matrix Vault.

SILBERMAN gulps and gapes at TERMINATOR

SILBERMAN stumbles away, and rushes from BEDROOM, panicked

TERMINATOR grabs JOHN by the collar, shoves JOHN from ROOM

KATE rises, stumbles after JOHN, TERMINATOR

CUT TO

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, NEAR BLAST DOOR
TX-850A stumbles to the BLAST DOOR CONTROL PANEL

TX-850A activates nanotechnological-transjector injector
in his fingertip

TX-850A opens BLAST DOOR, turns to survey BATTLE

DR. SILBERMAN appears at BLAST DOOR, startled by TERMINATOR

SILBERMAN runs off, into the WASTELANDS, away from the
BATTLEFIELD

TX-850A shrugs

TX-850A HUMS and SQUAWKS like MODEM, summoning DRONE

MINI-FLYER DRONE disengages from its target and swoops
toward TX-850A instead

TX-850A clutches onto MINI-FLYER as it dives at him

MINI-FLYER lifts TX-850A, carries TERMINATOR up MOUNTAINSIDE, away from BATTLEGROUND

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, MOUNTAINSIDE NEAR EXHAUST VENT
TX-850A, MINI-FLYER DRONE soar up and hover near VENT

TX-850A releases DRONE

DRONE streaks back into BATTLE MODE, racing back downhill

TX-850A scans area in all modes

TX-850A
John Connor?

No sign of JOHN CONNOR anywhere on the MOUNTAINSIDE

TX-850A notices VENT GRATE OPEN

CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, T.I.M. VAULT
TX-850B, JOHN and KATE ENTER VAULT
NOTE: MICHAEL DYSON’S BODY amongst the many on the floor
all around the CONTROL ROOM

TX-850B
You will enter the Temporal Inversion Chamber.
If the inversion process is successful,
you will return to the year 2008, in a chamber
similar to this one, at Navajo Peak, the
main facility for machine construction
and Temporal Inversion Studies.

You will be terminated by the machines then and there.

If the inversion process fails, you will
be terminated here and now.

JOHN remains defiant to the end, spits at the TERMINATOR

JOHN
**** you, you ****ing machine!
I do not accept this mission!
I won’t go!

TX-850B
Then, Katherine Brewster and
your baby will be terminated.

TERMINATOR aims the 9mm PISTOL at KATE

KATE screams and cries

JOHN
Just do it then!
I don’t care any more!

KATE screams again

KATE
JOHN!!! NO!!

TX-850B pulls the trigger

SOUND OF METALIC CLICK, as from GUN WITH NO BULLETS!

Across the CONTROL ROOM, the ENTRANCE DOOR swooshes open

TX-850A enters

TX-850A
I’m back.

TERMINATOR vs TERMINATOR (ARNOLD vs ARNOLD? THE ROCK vs THE ROCK?)
BATTLE ROYALE!!

While the TERMINATORS BATTLE, JOHN moves to the T.I.M. MASTER CONTROL CONSOLE and powers everything ‘ON’

JOHN moves into the T.I.M. CHAMBER

KATE screams at JOHN

KATE
JOHN?!! DON’T DO IT!!

JOHN looks at KATE from behind the transparent aluminum shielding

JOHN
I have to Kate!
Trust me!
Now, get out of here, Kate!
Save yourself! Save the baby!

KATE cries, and screams NO!

TX-850A stops fighting, noting what JOHN is doing

TX-850A moves to the MASTER CONTROL CONSOLE

TX-850B continues to fight TX-850A

The TERMINATORS enter the T.I.M. CHAMBER, crashing thru the transparency!

BATTLE ROYALE rages on across the T.I.M. MATRIX PAD

JOHN escapes the T.I.M. CHAMBER, rushes to KATE

JOHN, KATE escape the T.I.M. VAULT

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, OUTSIDE T.I.M. VAULT
JOHN and KATE rush down hallway to ELEVATOR

KATE
What’s going on, John?
I thought you were going crazy!

JOHN
That’s what you were supposed to think!
We have to get outta here, NOW!

JOHN and KATE board ELEVATOR, ascend to GROUND LEVEL

CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, INSIDE T.I.M. VAULT
TERMINATORS fight it out on T.I.M. PAD

TX-850A badly beaten, holds TX-850B, glances away

TX-850A communicates with nanotechnological transjectors
deposited within T.I.M. MASTER CONTROL CONSOLE

SOUND OF ALARM CLAXON BLARING THROUGHOUT COMPLEX ONCE MORE

VOICE OF JOHN CONNOR echoes, as from P.A. SYSTEM

JOHN’S VOICE
This is John Connor, Commander, Crystal Peak.
There has been a catastrophic failure
initiated in the central core of the complex.

Everyone must evacuate immediately!

T.I.M. MASTER CONTROL CONSOLE ACTIVATES TEMPORAL INVERSION
PROCEDURE

CUT TO

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, MOUNTAINSIDE, NEAR EXHAUST VENT
NOTE: The SOLAR-CELL POWER COLLECTOR has been disconnected from
the MAIN CONDUIT into the CRYSTAL PEAK COMPLEX... NO POWER

CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, T.I.M. VAULT, T.I.M. CHAMBER
TX-850B struggles to kill TX-850A

TX-850A
You are terminated.

TIM POWERS UP

TIM MATRIX PAD flashes brilliant white

WILD FLASHES of BLUE ELECTRICITY ARCS explode from
TERMINATORS

TX-850B looks uncharacteristically afraid, finally

TX-850A shrugs and smiles, victorious

BRILLIANT WHITE LIGHT, BLUE ELECTRIC ARCS FLOOD THE
CHAMBER

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, T.I.M. VAULT MASTER CONTROL CHAMBER
Blinding white light, massive arcs of blue electricity flash
throughout room, filling room, and beyond

SOUNDS OF THUNDEROUS EXPLOSION OF ENERGY, LIGHT AND SOUND
CUT TO

INT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, LOADING BAY
JOHN and KATE rush to escape as BLAST DOOR slowly closes

SOUND OF ALARM CLAXON SOUNDING THROUGHOUT COMPLEX

VOICE OF JOHN CONNOR echoes, as from P.A. SYSTEM

JOHN’S VOICE
...catastrophic failure
initiated in the central core...

Evacuate immediately!

JOHN and KATE escape under BLAST DOOR

JOHN, KATE, gather with VARIOUS FLEEING FORCES from within CRYSTAL PEAK, as BLAST DOOR seals COMPLEX

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, BATTLEFIELD
POWERFUL UNDERGROUND EXPLOSION rocks CRYSTAL PEAK and SURROUNDING AREA

JOHN protects KATE, ushers RESISTANCE FORCES toward
T-20 TRANSPORT

MORE MACHINE FORCES converging on the CRYSTAL PEAK area from surrounding area

JOHN surveys BATTLEGROUND, realizes defeat is imminent

JOHN ducks inside T-20 TRANSPORT with REFUGEES and KATE

JOHN commandeers COMM-UNIT HEAD-GEAR

JOHN
This is a May-Day!
This is John Connor, at Crystal Peak!
We are under attack!
Multiple engagements,
Hostiles are superior!
We will not survive!
Requesting immediate assistance!
MAY DAY! MAY DAY!

Long moments of silence, except for the SOUNDS OF BATTLE OUTSIDE

JOHN looks to CAPT. PERRY

PERRY hugs KYLE close, KYLE hefts PLASMA PULSE RIFLE in defense

PERRY looks to JOHN, somber, defeated

JOHN looks to KATE, pregnant, aching, holding her stomach

JOHN steps to KATE, leans in close, and lies to her

JOHN
The Cavalry is coming!
We have to hold out for a while longer!
I need to be out there, in the field,
with the troops!

KATE holds JOHN hands in her fists, tight, but nods slowly

JOHN turns to CAPT. PERRY and KYLE, passing his 9mm PISTOL to PERRY, and claiming the PLASMA PULSE RIFLE from KYLE
KYLE holds tight to the RIFLE, and JOHN lifts the boy into his arms

JOHN
Not this time, Little Trooper!

KYLE smiles and nods, releasing the RIFLE and sitting with
CAPT. PERRY once more

KYLE
I know, I know...
I’ll protect the women and children...

JOHN smiles back at KYLE, patting the COMM-UNIT HEADGEAR on the boy’s head

JOHN charges the PLASMA PULSE RIFLE, leans in, kisses KATE, then bolts from the TRANSPORT

EXT. CRYSTAL PEAK COMPOUND, BATTLEGROUND
JOHN exits the T-20 TRANSPORT, and rejoins the RESISTANCE FORCES
in BATTLE

VARIOUS BATTLE SCENES, as JOHN LEADS FORCES against mounting
numbers of machines

Suddenly, MORE GROUND FORCES, in VARIOUS 4-WHEELED,
GAS-POWERED VEHICLES come charging across the plains,
onto the BATTLEFIELD!

The BAJA COMMAND FORCES join the 132nd and the CRYSTAL PEAK
RESISTANCE FORCES

JOHN and KENT get cornered by FLYING H/K crossfire, and a
T-70 UNIT approaches from the blindside, for the kill

PLASMA PULSE CANNON FIRE destroys the approaching T-70

A RUGGED FORD PICK-UP, with a ROOF-MOUNTED PLASMA CANNON,
rumbles up to JOHN and KENT’S position, barricading them from the BATTLEGROUND

A VOICE shouts out from the PICK-UP

VOICE
Watch your back, Connor!
Keep your head down and watch your back!

PAN FROM JOHN and KENT, to the PICK-UP, to reveal...

SARAH CONNOR at the wheel of the PICK-UP!!

SARAH CONNOR
Just like your mother taught ya, kiddo!

JOHN, KENT look surprised, possibly surprised to be alive
possibly surprised to see SARAH CONNOR alive

JOHN, KENT board PICK-UP

PICK-UP thunders back into BATTLE VS THE MACHINES

PAN BACK TO WIDE ON BATTLEFIELD

JOHN
(voice-over)
In the year 2018, from a small concealed base
hidden within the Sierra Nevada Mountains,
the Humans took a stand against the Machines.
Resistance forces long dormant, off the grid,
hidden from the machines, came back to life,
to join in the fight for our lives...

The Future is not set, The War rages on...

MUSIC: TERMINATOR THEME MUSIC

FADE TO BLACK

END CREDITS

There you have it folks! The complete, definitive vision that is MY TERMINATOR 4: RISE OF THE RESISTANCE This script continues the story and sets the stage perfectly for at least one more follow-up, TERMINATOR 5: BATTLE FOR THE FUTURE

I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing, and rewriting...

WOW!! 😱

is that a good WOW, or a WOW! What a steaming pile of crap WOW!

??